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Pittsburgh Pirates News: Anthony Alford Still Limited By Elbow
By Marty Leap
The battle for the starting center field job with the Pittsburgh Pirates could end up being impacted by injury
Last September, outfielder Anthony Alford made his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After being claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, Alford provided a spark for the Pirates in early September.
In five games played with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Alford hit a home run, a triple, walked once and struck out just once in 13 plate appearances. He also stole a pair of bases, including a steal of home against the Cubs.
It appeared the Pittsburgh Pirates were ready to give Alford an extended look in center field to finish the 2020 season, that is when injury struck. Alford dislocated his right elbow crashing into the center field wall which brought his season to an early end.
On Wednesday, Pirates’ director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk told the media that Alford is still limited defensively due to his elbow. Alford, however, has no restrictions with his hitting, so it is only his throwing where he is still limited.
Entering Spring Training Alford is expected to battle for the starting job in center field. Originally, it appeared this would be a battle between Alford and Jared Oliva. Then, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed veteran outfielder Brian Goodwin adding him to the mix.
Wednesday evening, the Pirates added another player to the center field battle when they acquired Dustin Fowler from the Oakland A’s in exchange for cash considerations. In fact, there is now a strong argument to be made for Fowler as the starter in center field.
How long it takes Alford to be able to be a full go defensively could have a major impact on the battle for center field. Both Alford and Fowler are out of minor league options, with Goodwin appearing to be close to a lock to crack the Opening Day roster, odds are, only one of Alford or Fowler will make the roster, with the other being a potential DFA candidate.
Next. Good Minor League Second Base Depth. dark
If Alford is still having lingering issues from his surgery, however, that could open up the door for him to start the season on the injured list. If that were to happen, it would likely all but guarantee Opening Day roster spots to both Goodwin and Fowler. Stay tuned here at Rum Bunter for all of the news, injury or otherwise, that continues to come out of Pirate camp this spring.