Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: Schedule allows for Pirates, Blue Jays to share PNC Park

Just when you thought MLB blurred the lines between the American League and National League this season, with interleague games and a universal designated hitter, PNC Park is ready to blow your mind.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are willing to welcome with open arms their neighbors from the True North, the Toronto Blue Jays, to share their stadium this summer.

The Blue Jays were booted from Toronto’s Rogers Centre by the Canadian government, which has kept close watch on its borders because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“In an effort to help in the return of the game we all love,” Pirates president Travis Williams said in a statement, the club is discussing the possibility of the Blue Jays playing at PNC Park.

“This will be a monumental challenge for our staff, but leaning in to help others is what Pittsburghers do best.”

It’s a noble gesture by the Pirates, whose hands are as big as their hearts. They left no doubt they stand to make a financial gain, which is important after they announced furloughs, front-office pay cuts and retirement benefit freezes during the sports shutdown.

“If we are able to safely accommodate,” Williams said in the statement, “not only will it bring additional international attention to our city, it will also bring with it jobs and revenue for local hotels, restaurants and other businesses that will support the Blue Jays organization as well as additional visiting teams.”

Not to mention make money for the local baseball club.

1. Scheduling snafus: The Pirates certainly are the most convenient solution, given Pittsburgh’s proximity to both Toronto and their AL East and NL East opponents.

There are seven dates that their home schedules overlap.

On July 29, when the Blue Jays were supposed to play their home opener against the reigning World Series champion Washington Nationals, the Pirates play the final game of their opening homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers.

There are no more conflicts until September, when the Pirates play the Chicago White Sox and the Blue Jays are scheduled to host the New York Yankees on Sept. 8-9 and the Pirates play the Chicago White Sox and the Blue Jays the Yankees again Sept. 21-24.

There is a solution: The Pirates are only home once — against St. Louis on Sept. 20 — on Toronto’s six scheduled days off. MLB would have to do some shuffling to allow the Blue Jays to play at PNC Park on the other five available days.

After a quick trip on the turnpike, we're here.#LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/aNs1WZpb9O

— Pirates (@Pirates) July 20, 2020

2. Fine by Shelty: Pirates manager Derek Shelton, who used to work for the Blue Jays, had no qualms with the possibility of sharing the stadium with Toronto this summer.

“Well, we don’t play them, right? They didn’t change the schedule so we play them,” Shelton said. “I think if it’s a situation where they need someplace to play, and we can help out, then I think we should. I do feel that major league teams should play in major league ballparks, and if it works out way above my pay grade that they figure it out, then I think it would be cool.”

3. Sharing is caring: Shelton doesn’t see how it would affect the Pirates in an adverse way, given they aren’t scheduled to play Toronto or share any common opponents.

“I know it wouldn’t affect us in our clubhouse or our weight room or our training room, and the fact that they would be there on the days we’re off, it would really have no effect on us,” Shelton said. “The only thing that it could affect is our rehab guys, but our rehab guys would be in and out early in the morning, before they come in. So it would really have zero effect on us, because they would not be using our part of the facilities, from, like I said, the little bit I know about it.”

But that’s only half of it.

Sharing the stadium with another team means doubling the number of players inside the stadium on a daily basis, thereby increasing the risk of the spread of covid-19. The Pirates, who have had four players allow them to publicly confirm they tested positive, will have to take increased precautions for their protection.

4. Mi casa es su casa: Pirates pitcher Trevor Williams sympathizes with the Blue Jays, saying they are at a “severe disadvantage” by not playing in their home stadium even if fans aren’t allowed to attend games.

“As long as they get to play,” Williams said. “They’re in a really tough spot. I think the entire league wants them to have a home. If they want to make the North Shore their home for 2020, by all means. If that ends up happening, it’s just going to be a few extra precautionary steps with our health protocol and with our staff. It’ll be a busy, busy summer at PNC Park.

“Unfortunately, not everybody’s gonna be able to watch.”

He practiced this here last year in the Derby. #Ringit ? pic.twitter.com/PcOEXe5XRT

— Pirates (@Pirates) July 21, 2020

5. Buc ohs: The Pirates have lefty Derek Holland scheduled to start Wednesday in the final exhibition game against Cleveland, which prevents him from pitching the opening weekend at St. Louis. Shelton wouldn’t reveal who will pitch Sunday against the Cardinals or how the rotation is going to be set up.

Shelton said top position prospect Ke’Bryan Hayes, who has missed all of training camp after testing positive for covid-19, worked out Monday at PNC Park. Hayes might have contracted the coronavirus on his way to Pittsburgh from Houston, as he had a layover in a crowded Chicago airport. He’s expected to start the season at the satellite camp in Altoona.

Catcher John Ryan Murphy was added to the 40-man roster Sunday after Luke Maile underwent season-ending surgery on his right index finger. Known for his defense, Murphy has had a passed ball in each exhibition game against Cleveland.

Colin Moran is 4 for 8 with two singles, a double and a homer in the two exhibition games. Moran went 2 for 5 as the DH on Monday night, while Phillip Evans started at third and had a homer and a double.

Adam Frazier is 0 for 6 while batting third in the two games.

Guillermo Heredia, who started in right field, is 2 for 4 with a homer and three RBIs in the two games. Josh Bell has been hot in the sixth inning, smacking a double off the left-center wall on Saturday and going opposite field with his homer on Monday.

Williams laughed about how the Indians hit three consecutive fly balls to center fielder Jarrod Dyson in the first inning, including one he chased down to catch at the top of his glove.

“I kind of threw him right into it with run three balls to run down,” Williams said. “But he said he’s got my back, and I’m excited that he’s gonna be patrolling center field for us.”