The Pittsburgh Pirates are facing a challenging season, with injuries to key players like Konnor Griffin and Oneil Cruz. However, General Manager Ben Cherington remains focused on the team's goals for the season and the upcoming Trade Deadline. In this article, I'll delve into Cherington's thoughts on the team's current situation, the impact of injuries, and the potential moves that could be made in the coming weeks.
The Impact of Injuries
The Pirates have been hit hard by injuries, with Griffin out until September due to a torn sagittal band in his left ring finger. Cherington acknowledges the impact of these injuries but remains steadfast in the team's approach. He believes that the injuries haven't changed the team's goals or their strategy for the season. This is a refreshing perspective, as many teams might be thrown off course by such setbacks.
One thing that immediately stands out is the Pirates' commitment to their long-term vision. Cherington's decision to have Griffin's hand splinted rather than play through the injury is a testament to this. By avoiding a full finger reconstruction, the Pirates are prioritizing Griffin's long-term health and preparation for next season. This is a smart move, as it ensures that the team doesn't sign up for a lengthy recovery process that could impact Griffin's performance in the future.
The Trade Deadline and Short-Term Moves
With the Trade Deadline less than a month away, Cherington is focused on improving the team. However, he emphasizes that none of these moves are expected until after the MLB Draft this coming weekend. This is a strategic approach, as it allows the Pirates to assess their needs and make informed decisions based on the team's current performance and the draft outcomes.
One area of interest is the shortstop position. With Griffin out, the Pirates are considering upgrades at this position. Cherington's statement that the Pirates would seek an upgrade at shortstop is a clear indication of their willingness to make changes if necessary. This is a smart move, as it allows the team to address a key need while also considering the long-term implications of any potential trades.
Pitching Concerns and Opportunities
Cherington also addressed the team's pitching concerns, particularly with Mitch Keller. Keller has struggled this season, with a 5.02 ERA and an .831 OPS against left-handed hitters. Cherington acknowledges that this is not a new issue, but he also recognizes that it has become more of a concern recently. Teams are stacking against Keller, and the Pirates are considering short-term fixes, such as looking deeper into Keller's pitch mix and sequencing, as well as command and execution.
One thing that many people don't realize is the potential for using an opener for Keller. This is an interesting strategy that could help address Keller's struggles against left-handed hitters. By using an opener, the Pirates could create a more balanced lineup and potentially improve Keller's performance.
Arm Care and Development
Cherington also discussed the team's approach to arm care and development, particularly with Paul Skenes. Skenes has experienced occasional velocity dips, and the Pirates are focused on providing him with the right information and support. Cherington acknowledges that the team has noticed some slight delivery changes, but he doesn't want to speculate on whether fatigue is a factor. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of arm care and the need to measure fatigue accurately.
One thing that makes this particularly fascinating is the Pirates' commitment to developing their young pitchers while also prioritizing their long-term health. By providing Skenes with the right information and support, the Pirates are ensuring that he can continue to develop and improve without sacrificing his long-term health.
The Role of Carmen Mlodzinski
Cherington also spent part of his session explaining the role of Carmen Mlodzinski and how they're executing it. Mlodzinski and pitching coach Bill Murphy will talk after each outing and determine the next "live" period. This is a unique approach that allows the Pirates to manage Mlodzinski's workload and ensure that he's fresh when needed.
One detail that I find especially interesting is the fluidity of Mlodzinski's recovery process. The Pirates are taking a flexible approach to his recovery, with a range of dates for his "live" periods. This is a smart move, as it allows the team to adapt to Mlodzinski's needs and ensure that he's ready when called upon.
Marcell Ozuna's Situation
Finally, Cherington addressed the situation with Marcell Ozuna, who was back in the lineup Wednesday after dealing with a toe injury in Washington. Ozuna has only played two games in July, and Cherington acknowledges that he wants to play more. However, the Pirates' roster construction and Ozuna's production when he does play have limited his playing time.
One thing that many people don't realize is the Pirates' commitment to giving Ozuna opportunities to perform. Despite his struggles, Cherington believes that there's something there with Ozuna, and he's willing to give him a chance to prove himself. This is a refreshing perspective, as it shows the Pirates' faith in Ozuna's abilities and their willingness to give him a chance to succeed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cherington's comments provide a fascinating insight into the Pirates' approach to the season and the Trade Deadline. By focusing on their long-term vision, prioritizing player health, and making informed decisions, the Pirates are well-positioned to make the most of the season. Whether it's addressing pitching concerns, developing young pitchers, or managing the workload of key players, the Pirates are taking a thoughtful and strategic approach to their challenges. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the team navigates the Trade Deadline and the rest of the season, and I'm confident that Cherington and his team will make the right decisions to achieve their goals.
