Pittsburgh Pirates Complete Unlikely Sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers

Tucupita Marcano returns to the majors and impresses

Prior to the start of Wednesday night’s game the Pittsburgh Pirates made a long overdue move when they designated first baseman/designated hitter Yoshi Tsutsugo for assignment. Utility man Tucupita Marcano was re-called from the minors to replace Tsutsugo.

Marcano started in left field on Wednesday night. Thursday afternoon he started at second base. Both offensively and defensively Marcano did nothing but impress in his return to the major leagues.

In the series Marcano was 5-for-8 with a walk, a triple, two runs scored and two RBI. He also made a great running grab in left field Wednesday night. The overall stats do not tell the entire story for Marcano, either.

When the Pirates needed him Marcano came through clutch. With the Pirates trialing 4-3, Marcano singled home Michael Chavis to tie Wednesday night’s game at 4 in the 6th inning. He also started a two-run 3rd inning by singling to start the inning.

Then on Thursday, Marcano came through again. Marcano hit a one-out single to left field scoring Greg Allen in the bottom of the 7th inning, cutting the Brewer lead to 3-2. Early in his Pirate career it looks like Marcano may have that clutch gene.

Moving forward Shelton needs to find a way to get Marcano in the lineup every day. With his ability to play the corner outfield spots, second base, shortstop, and third base, plus designated hitter, getting him in the lineup every day should not be a challenge. Marcano is an exciting player who could have a big future with the Pirates, these last two months need to be an audition for Marcano.