Latest Pirates injury update opens door for Nick Yorke to steal Opening Day roster spot

Sep 28, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Yorke (38) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Yorke (38) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Adam Frazier, who returned to the Pittsburgh Pirates on a one-year, $1.525 million contract in January, has been conspicuously absent from spring training games since Feb. 26. He played in just three contests up until that point, registering one hit in six at-bats.

Per a report from Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday that the reason for Frazier's absence from Grapefruit League games was a back injury that surfaced within the last few weeks.

If Frazier does return to Grapefruit League action before the end of the week, he will still be on track for the start of the regular season. If the back injury sidelines him for an extended period of time, though, it could mean an opportunity for one of Pittsburgh's exciting young prospects to be on the Opening Day roster.

Latest Pirates injury update to Adam Frazier opens door for Nick Yorke to steal Opening Day roster spot

Frazier's primary asset at this point in his career is his versatility; primarily a second baseman, he can play all over the infield, as well as at the outfield corners. His bat isn't what it used to be, but we know the Pirates like to prioritize defensive versatility over offensive competence. It's probably why they are trying to get No. 5 prospect Nick Yorke, primarily a second baseman, more time at other positions (sound familiar?).

Yorke has seen game action at first base, second base and DH during spring training this year, and he saw time at third base and both outfield corners during his 11-game stint in the big leagues last season. It appears as if Pittsburgh is trying to turn Yorke into Frazier 2.0, but with more offensive upside – so, basically, Frazier five years ago.

Yorke hit a tepid .216 during his brief time in the Majors last year, but if he can put up the kind of numbers he did in the minor leagues – he slashed .303/.385/.449 across 123 combined Double-A and Triple-A games last season – then he can be a major asset to the Pirates in 2025, potentially as soon as Opening Day.

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