Pirates officially failed to maximize Jared Triolo's absence after latest roster move

When Jared Triolo initially went down with his back injury, the Pirates turned to Tsung Che Cheng. Tuesday night, Triolo made his first rehab appearance and picked up two hits, including a home run and a single. That was enough for the Pirates to bring him back up to the big leagues. He will be replacing Cheng on the roster, marking this as a massive failed experiment for the young prospect.

Cheng played in three games during this stint, going hitless in seven at bats with three strikeouts. He also was caught stealing in his lone stolen base attempt. The only positive from his time in Pittsburgh was accounting for one DRS.

It made sense to call him up while Triolo was hurt, as he was already on the 40-man and could play shortstop, but he obviously lacked offensive upside. Liover Peguero has major league experience and is on the 40-man, so it hurts that they did not give him a shot instead. His Triple-A numbers have actually been pretty solid to open up 2025, posting a wRC+ of 127 with an .810 OPS. Maybe he will be next to get an opportunity in Pittsburgh, though, becuase Cheng did not earn a second stint, and it's tough to say we learned many positives during Triolo's absence.

Pirates activate Jared Triolo, option Tsung Che Cheng to Indianapolis after poor start.

Getting Triolo back is helpful, but does not exactly solve the Pirates' offensive issues. Prior to landing on the injured list, Triolo was batting .059 (1-for-17) with a strikeout rate of 27.8% and a -51 wRC+. Not great, but his rehab outing provided at least a little bit of optimism that a hot streak is in the tank.

Triolo's value is on defense, as he plays every single spot in the infield. Getting his big frame on first base will definitely help the other infielders more than Enmanuel Valdez woild've. That smaller frame from Valdez has made it tougher for everyone to make throws, leading to a few throwing errors from Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Getting Cheng back to Triple-A was needed, but for things to be any different as a result, in terms of production, Triolo needs to get going on offense.