Pittsburgh Pirates: What Derek Shelton Needs to Do With the Lineup

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton needs to commit to fielding the team’s best defensive lineup, especially since it’s also their best offensive one

Through the first seven games of the season the Pittsburgh Pirates have seen plenty of movement with their starting lineup. Manager Derek Shelton has made some questionable decisions with the team’s starting lineup and that is an issue that needs addressed.

After being arguably the team’s best hitter in the Grapefruit League, and leading the club with 6 home runs, infielder Diego Castillo appeared to be hitting his way to a starting job with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This was made especially true by the team having a huge question mark at second base.

After making a start in Friday night’s loss, Castillo has now made just three starts this season. Throughout 17 plate appearances Castillo is hitting for a .385/.385/.462 slash line. He’s recorded a wRC+ of 143, has picked up a double and struck out just twice. Castillo looks like a hitter who belongs.

There is no reason for Castillo to not start at second base every day. Josh VanMeter, while a nice bench piece, is just that. Hoy Park is not a good hitter.. at all, and Cole Tucker likely is what he is at this point of his career.

This season should be all about the Pittsburgh Pirates seeing what they have in players like Castillo. Combine this with how he has hit since joining the Pirate organization last July and he should be in there every day. Until Oneil Cruz is promoted and takes over at shortstop the Pirate infield should consist of Ke’Bryan Hayes, Kevin Newman, Castillo, and either Yoshi Tsutsugo or Michael Chavis, depending on if the opposing starting pitcher is a righty or a lefty.

The outfield is another area where Shelton needs to make some adjustments. For far too long now the Pirates have seemed to be enamored with playing utility players in the outfield. That needs to stop. Hell, playing Park in right field on Thursday night put the Pirates in an early 3-0 hole.

On the bench Shelton has Jake Marisnick. Since making his MLB debut in 2013 Marisnick ranks 8th among all MLB outfielders in Defensive Runs Saved. Marisnick is one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball. He is also off to a strong start at the plate. So far this season Marisnick is hitting for a .400/.400/.500 slash line to go with a wRC+ of 159. Let him play, Shelty.

Between Marisnick being a plus defender, his strong start at the plate, and none of the utility payers who can also “play” the outfield hitting well, there is no reason for Marisnick to not be in the lineup every day. The Pirate outfield should be Marisnick in left field, with Ben Gamel in right field to go with Bryan Reynolds in center field.

Playing three actual outfielders goes a long way for a team with their outfield defense. This is something that Shelton needs to do moving froward. It’s even more of a no brainer with Marisnick and Gamel being the team’s two best offensive options to flank Reynolds in the outfield.

Having a consistent lineup is important in baseball. While batting in the same spot daily is not as important, having the same starting nine with regularity is. That is how hitters can get into a groove, helping them to find success at the plate.

Factor in the best Pirate offensive lineup being their best defensive one and filling out the lineup card should be easy for Shelton. Until Cruz and other reinforcements arrive from the minors, their lineup should consist of Roberto Pérez behind the plate, an outfield of Marisnick, Reynolds, and Gamel, Hayes at third base, Newman at shortstop, Castillo at second base, and the first base/DH duo being two of Daniel Vogelbach, Tsutsugo, and Chavis.

Not only is this lineup the best lineup the Pirates can field right now, it also gives Castillo an opportunity to see if he can hit his way into being a long-term piece for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The same can be said for Chavis. Now it’s up to Shelton to commit to it.