5 Pirates thoughts on busy 9-game stretch to start season

The Pittsburgh Pirates are only nine games into the season, but it feels like mid-July with all the news that has swirled around the team since Opening Day.

It started with unexpected bullpen failures, followed by a four-game sweep of Cincinnati Reds, who don’t look to be as improved as everyone said. On Monday, Jameson Taillon was hit in the head with a 102-mph line drive off the bat of Anthony Rizzo in a 10-0 loss to Chicago Cubs. The game also featured four Pirates errors, creating additional angst from a fan base that already has experienced plenty.

Three outfielders are on the injured list. Melky Cabrera is hitting .440, and Kevin Newman and Colin Moran have committed three errors apiece, even though they’re not everyday starters.

We’re not done: Chris Archer is appealing a five-game suspension for throwing at — he says he’s innocent — the Reds’ Derek Dietrich two innings after Dietrich launched a 436-foot home run into the Allegheny River on Sunday and paused to watch its flight. Archer’s errant pitch triggered a melee that had Pirates bench coach Tom Prince valiantly protecting his players in a stance that reminded everyone of an offensive lineman.

The Pirates (5-4) probably needed Tuesday’s day off in Chicago to clear their heads, but they came through all that drama in second place, trailing only the Milwaukee Brewers (8-3) in the NL Central.

Placing significant meaning on the first nine games is silly, but here are five thoughts during a busy opening stretch:

1. Taillon better be OK

Starting pitching is clearly a strength, but that doesn’t mean the Pirates can afford to lose Taillon.

Taillon left the game Monday after two innings, but he went through concussion protocol on the mound and later said he was OK. The Pirates can’t be too cautious, however. Taillon also was hit in the head three years ago. If he misses his next start, it would be appropriate.

Meanwhile, Archer might miss a start, which was scheduled for Saturday in Washington D.C.

Where would the Pirates turn?

Steven Brault and Nick Kingham competed with and lost to Jordan Lyles in spring training for the fifth spot in the rotation. Brault struggled against the Cubs on Monday and has allowed five earned runs, five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings. Kingham has surrendered four hits and two earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Don’t forget about Francisco Liriano. He’s a reliever these days but has made 300 career starts.

2. Newman’s rough day

Baseball can humble a man riding a cloud of triumph.

That’s what happened to Newman, who ripped a game-winning double Saturday and made three errors in one inning two days later.

The Pirates’ first-round draft choice in 2015, Newman is not their regular shortstop after finishing second in competition with Erik Gonzalez in spring training. When healthy, Gonzalez will play the majority of the innings, but he’s had two errors in eight games.

The Pirates have the third-worst error total (11) in the majors.

3. Nice start for Cabrera

The Pirates signed Cabrera to provide an experienced, switch-hitting bat off the bench. But injuries to Gregory Polanco and Lonnie Chisenhall have forced him into all nine games. He responded by getting 11 hits (nine singles) in 25 at-bats.

Polanco could be back on the roster in a month or less. Cabrera Might be able to fill the void.

4. What about the bullpen?

Since their early hiccups, Pirates relievers have been OK. Felipe Vazquez and Keone Kela have not been overworked. Vazquez’s ejection on Sunday and the 10-0 loss Monday might have served to keep him fresh through the initial days of the current road trip.

Kyle Crick is on the injured list, but he looked sharp in his two outings, and Liriano has yet to give up a hit while striking out five in four innings.

Check back at the end of the road trip, but the bullpen does not top the list of concerns.

5. Marte’s slow start

He’s as athletic as any center fielder in baseball and he gets to most balls that don’t fly over the fence, but Starling Marte is slashing .200/.263/.343 (batting average, on-base and slugging percentages).

The Pirates depend on Marte to get on base, steal bases, set up rallies and drive in runs. Without his expected production, the Pirates won’t have enough good pitching to challenge the NL Central.

Love baseball? Stay up-to-date with the latest Pittsburgh Pirates news.