Pittsburgh Pirates: Returning Players, Bullpen Carry Team to Series Victory

Two key bats return from the injured list

When series began on Thursday night budding Pirate superstar Ke’Bryan Hayes returned from the injured list. Hayes made an immediate impact in Thursday night’s victory going 2-for-4 with a triple and a pair of dazzling defensive plays.

For the weekend Hayes went 7-for-18 with a home run, a double and a triple. Hayes always drew a walk while striking out just 3 times. He also flashed why he has the ability to quickly become one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball with steady, and at times spectacular, defense at the hot corner.

This weekend was also the first time Hayes had the opportunity to play in front of fans at PNC Park. For both Hayes and fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates this was a special moment, as it was the first of countless opportunities for fans to cheer Hayes on in the coming years.

Despite losing on Sunday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Pirates got another important bat back in their lineup. This was the bat of first baseman and clean up hitter Colin Moran. In his return from the IL the lefty slugger was 1-for-4 with a 1st inning double and RBI.

Getting Hayes and Moran back in the lineup is a massive boost for the Pirates. Hayes is the team’s best player and Moran is one of their four best hitters. Getting these two back helps provide some much needed length and depth in the Pirate lineup.

While, overall, the Pirate lineup still has plenty of holes, those holes are not at the top of the lineup. Adam Frazier, Hayes, Bryan Reynolds, Moran and Jacob Stallings give the Pirates a very formidable 1-5 in their starting lineup.

Yes, the Pittsburgh Pirates will continue to have offensive woes this season. That said, the top 5 in their starting lineup is one of the best in the National League Central and can help improve the offensive output.