Corey Dickerson Appears Ready To Rejoin The Pittsburgh Pirates

It appears that the Pittsburgh Pirates are on the brink of getting one of their injured players back

Stop me if you have heard this before – the story of the 2019 Pittsburgh Pirates has been injuries. This isn’t news to you? I didn’t think it would be. At least, it should not be for anyone that follows the Pirates closely.

One of the team’s 22 players that have spent time on the injured list this season is left fielder Corey Dickerson. After winning a Gold Glove and posting a 2.7 fWAR in 2018, Dickerson figured to be a key member of the Pirates in 2019. However, shoulder problems got in the way.

On April 4th, Dickerson was placed on the IL with a shoulder injury. Last month, Dickerson started a rehab stint with Triple-A Indianapolis but quickly had it shutdown before ever playing in a game after shoulder soreness reoccurred.

After spending a few more weeks on the shelf, Dickerson’s rehab stint started with Indy on May 24th. With the Indians, Dickerson slashed just .182/.237/.212 in 38 plate appearances. While the results were not what anyone wanted, what was important was Dickerson getting at bats against live pitching.

Following Thursday afternoon’s victory over the Braves, Dickerson was in the Pirate clubhouse. The veteran outfielder met with the media following the game and made it known that he will travel with the team to Milwaukee. It appears he will be activated off the IL this weekend.

Whenever Dickerson is activated, the Pirates will have a few decisions to make. First off, Dickerson will need to be added to both 25-man and 40-man roster as he is currently on the 60-day IL. Second, the Pirates will have a logjam in the outfield that they will need to address.

With Dickerson on the IL rookie Bryan Reynolds has assumed the starting job in left field. 146 plate appearances into his MLB career, Reynolds is playing like a rookie of the year candidate. He is slashing .346/.404/.549 with a .403 wOBA, 153 wRC+, and a 1.4 fWAR. He has also been a strong defender in left field as he has been responsible for +5 defensive runs saved, which is tied for second among NL left fielders.

Optioning Reynolds to the minor leagues in order to make room for Dickerson can not be an option. Not only has Reynolds been one of the team’s best players this season, he will be a starting outfielder for the team for the foreseeable future. Sending him back to the minors would be inexcusable.

Then there is veteran Melky Cabrera. Signed to be the team’s fourth outfielder at the start of the season, Cabrera has already accumulated 179 plate appearances due to injuries. He is slashing .335/.376/.467 and is having his best season since 2012. So, continuing to get Cabrera at bats is something the Pirates are going to want to do.

When Dickerson returns, the odd man out should be Alex McRae or Nick Kingham. Neither pitcher has much business being on a MLB roster, and both are candidates to be designated for assignment to make room for Dickerson on the 40-man roster. This would also get the Pirate bench to the more typical makeup of five players.

Clint Hurdle and his staff are going to have a good problem on their hands when Dickerson returns this weekend. Juggling an outfield with five above average options could be more difficult than it sounds. It will be interesting to watch what happens.

Dickerson played in just four games prior to going on the IL. In these four games he went 2-for-13 with a home run, three walks, and three strikeouts. Whatever role Dickerson plays when he returns, he will look to pick up where he left off at in 2018 when he slashed .300/.330/.474 with a 115 wRC+.