Can Suwinski’s recent Triple-A success translate for the Pirates? It’s hard to believe.
After a long stint in Triple-A Indianapolis, outfielder Jack Suwinski is returning to the 26-man roster in what may be his final chance to prove he belongs in the big leagues, at least with the Pirates. In a corresponding move, RHP Chase Shugart, who has been one of a handful of positive surprises in the bullpen this year, was placed on the 15-day IL with left knee inflammation.
Considering the Pirates’ consistent lack of production offensively from their outfield, it’s no surprise that Suwinski would get another chance this year if he performed well with the Indianapolis Indians, and he did. In 53 Triple-A games, Suwinski slashed .280/.544/.926 with 12 home runs and 48 RBI. His on-base percentage was .382, but his strikeout rate continues to be an issue.
General Manager Ben Cherington is throwing one final hail-mary toward the idea that Suwinski can regain his 2023 big league form, in which he hit 26 home runs and slashed .224/.454/793. Still, it’s getting more and more difficult to believe that season was not a fluke. Although Triple-A production doesn’t often correlate to big league success, his numbers with the Indians this year were much better than the 48 games he played with them last year, where he slashed .239/.444/.751 with seven home runs.
The Pirates now have five outfielders, which makes it more likely that Alexander Canario will be designated for assignment to bring in an arm to replace Shugart in the bullpen in the next few days. Canario, similarly to Suwinski, has excellent power potential but strikes out far too often. He has barely played at all over the last couple of weeks, with Tommy Pham showing some signs of life and Adam Frazier also getting reps in left field.
In his first game returning to the Pirates lineup yesterday, Suwinski went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts.