Pittsburgh Pirates: Josh Bell Bounces Back & Other Takeaways From Series Win vs Braves

Josh Bell bounced back

61 games into the 2019 season Pirate first baseman Josh Bell is playing like a MVP candidate. The likely starting first baseman for the NL squad in next month’s All-Star Game is slashing .338/.398/.692 with a .355 ISO, .441 wOBA, and a 178 wRC+. However, entering the series against the Braves, he was in a bit of a rut. Well, at least for his standards.

Against the Brewers last weekend Bell was just 4-for-20 with a walk, two doubles, and seven strikeouts. This included striking out with the bases loaded, two outs, and the game tied at 10 in the bottom of the 12th inning of Saturday’s 12-10 loss.

After getting the night off on Tuesday, Bell would bounce back in a big way in the final two games of the Braves series.

Bell went 4-for-8 against the Braves. All four hits were doubles and he drove in three runs, to bring his season RBI total to 56.

His escapades included a three double game on Thursday afternoon. He has now hit a MLB best 25 doubles this season. Bell has collected a total of 45 extra base hits this season, which is also a MLB best. In fact, he is currently on pace for 120 extra base hits this season which would break Babe Ruth‘s single season extra base hit record.

After a sluggish series against the Brewers it was great to see Bell bounce back against the Braves. It’s not a coincidence that the Pirates lost three of four to the Brewers with Bell going 4-for-20, but then took two of three from the Braves when he hit .500 in the series. While the team’s offense has been one of the best in the NL the past month, Bell remains their most important offensive player.