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Pittsburgh Pirates: Bullpen Has Strong Weekend & Other Takeaways From Series Win In Miami
By Marty Leap
Kevin Newman has locked down the lead off spot in the lineup
Kevin Newman started the season as a utility infielder. 71 games into the season, a Erik Gonzalez broken collarbone combined with Newman’s played as turned him into the team’s starting shortstop.
Additionally, the former 1st round pick has become the Pirate lead off hitter. Batting lead off is a job Newman currently has a stranglehold on.
After another multi-hit performance in Sunday’s victory Newman now owns a healthy .315/.364/.430 slash line this season. His walk rate is 6.8%, his strikeout rate is just 13.6%, and he owns a 109 wRC+. He’s also stolen 4 bases as he’s used his speed element.
At the top of the lineup Newman has consistently given the Pirates good at bats while being a tough out. He has done a great job of seeing pitches from the lead off spot, which gives the rest of the lineup a good chance to see what the opposing pitcher has to offer that day. His shortstop defense has also come a long way this season, as he rates outs positively as a defender.
After struggling mightily in 2018, Newman has been one of the team’s biggest surprises in 2019. He is starting to play the way you would expect a 1st round pick to play.