Phillip Evans puts violent collision behind him, focuses on finding a role for Pirates

At the best time of his career came the worst moment, one Phillip Evans would rather not revisit. The Pittsburgh Pirates infielder can’t forget the collision that he didn’t see coming until it was too late.

As Evans chased a pop fly into foul territory in shallow right field, he crashed into the forearm of the oncoming Gregory Polanco and bore the brunt of the violent collision that left him knocked unconscious before being carted off the field last Aug. 8 at PNC Park.

Not only did Evans suffer a fractured jaw that required surgery but also a concussion whose symptoms “definitely lingered a little bit.” For all of the physical pain he endured, Evans says that “mentally, I think it hurt me the worst.” The opportunity lost both haunts and motivates him.

After earning a roster spot with a strong spring, Evans was hitting .359/.444/.487 with nine RBIs through 11 games last season. His hot bat earned Evans nine starts in the first 13 games at third base, followed by starts in right field and at first base. For the first time in his career, he was proving that he could be an everyday player in the major leagues.

“I thought I was just getting started, too. I think I hit a stride there before the injury,” said Evans, who played in 34 games over two seasons with the New York Mets in 2017 and ’18. “Being a National League pinch-hitter, a double-switch guy late in the game, that’s kind of the mentality I had to go with last season. The short season, 60 games, I was already used to that. Getting consistent playing time and at-bats helped my cause, definitely.”

Now, Evans is back to trying to prove he can be a valuable and versatile role player for the Pirates this spring in the corner infield and outfield spots. First, however, he had to get past the mental hurdles of chasing down pop flies without worrying about the fear of injury.

“I’ve had a few this spring, even in practice, that I didn’t even think twice about, going back on a ball in shallow outfield, down the lines or whatever it may be,” Evans said. “That stuff’s behind me. Just more of getting back into the baseball feel of things and playing every day and getting on our feet and cleats every day, so spring’s been helping all of us getting ready for the season.”

Evans is batting .273 (6 for 22) with 5 RBIs in 10 Grapefruit League games, and has performed well in his past two starts. He went 2 for 3 with an RBI double, a single and a run scored in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Detroit, then went 1 for 3 with a sacrifice fly and a two-RBI single in Monday’s 6-5 win over Baltimore.

With rookie Ke’Bryan Hayes entrenched at third, Polanco and Bryan Reynolds set as the corner outfielders, Erik Gonzalez, Kevin Newman and Cole Tucker in a three-way battle at shortstop and a possible platoon between Colin Moran and Todd Frazier at first base, Evans knows that a super-utility role might be his best and, perhaps, only shot at making the 26-man Opening Day roster.

Evans joking that he’s 5-foot-10, “with cleats on” — understanding the implication he is short for a first baseman — but is earnest about his willingness to play any position for the Pirates, including pitcher and catcher. He is hopeful he will be the utilityman who gets a chance as a late-inning reliever, adding that his arsenal includes a side-arm slider and an eephus pitch up top, to “change the eye level.”

“I think I’d have some fun out there, for sure,” Evans said.

That attitude might be Evans’ best trait, something that could serve him well if he starts the season on the taxi squad.

“If one of those guys needs a day off, I’m a good guy to get in there,” Evans said. “Every day, you’ve got to prepare, whether it be starting or coming in late in the game. I knew (Hayes) was on his way up and he’s fun to watch. I think I’m an everyday player, no matter where I’m at on the field. Preparing as a pinch-hitter/double-switch guy will get you ready for an everyday job, for sure.”