Pittsburgh Pirates Could Face a Conundrum With Jared Triolo

Jared Triolo's MLB career is off to a strong start, leaving the Pittsburgh Pirates with a potential conundrum when Ke'Bryan Hayes Returns

Jared Triolo has long long been an underrated and over looked member of the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system. In 1,407 minor league plate appearances, Triolo hit for a .285/.367/.439 slash line. He was also an elite defensive prospect, winning multiple minor league Gold Glove Awards at third base.

If not for Ke'Bryan Hayes, Triolo would have been viewed as the organization's third baseman of the future. However, due to Hayes, Triolo is a bit of a man without a position. And this could lead to the Pirates facing a conundrum in the coming weeks.

In late June, Triolo was promoted to the majors. This was a result of Hayes being placed on the injured list with a back issue. When the team was in Los Angeles last week Hayes returned from the IL. However, it took just one game for Hayes to return to the IL.

With Hayes battling his back issue Triolo hasb een playing third base on a daily basis for the Pirates. Triolo has turned heads both at the plate and in the field since being promoting, and is making things difficult on the Pirates when Hayes is ready to return.

Entering play on Friday, Triolo owned a .300/.364/.350 slash line with a 100 wRC+ through his first 44 MLB PAs. He's hit two doubles, driven in five runs, and has been a clutch hitter going 6-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

In the early going of his MLB career Triolo looks like a player ready to contribute in the majors on a regular basis. Triolo looks like a player who could be a starter in the majors. So, what could the Pirates do with him?

The easiest thing for the Pirates could be if Carlos Santana is traded ahead of the traded deadline. If this happens, it opens up at-bats for Triolo at first base. A position where the Pirates do not have a long-term internal answer, Triolo could potentially be that answer.

When Hayes returns to the lineup the Pirates could face a conundrum with Triolo. If he continues to perform at the plate, it will be difficult for the Pirates to tag him out of the lineup. Derek Shelton may find himself needing to find a way to keep Triolo in the lineup.