Pirates notebook: Derek Shelton likes leadership, intensity of No. 1 pick Henry Davis

Before the Pittsburgh Pirates made Henry Davis the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft, manager Derek Shelton got to watch the Louisville catcher’s workout at PNC Park and spend time talking with him.

“He’s a good kid, man,” Shelton said. “He’s a leader. He wants to win. He likes people to get after it a little bit. He’s got some intensity to him, and I like that.”

Shelton not only was impressed with how Davis showed off his strength but also by his confidence in their 30-minute chat.

“I mean, this kid is really strong. Ball comes off hot, really can throw the ball, so a lot of positive things,” Shelton said. “I think any time you sit down with the major league manager, you’re a little hesitant. But as we got further into the conversation, his true personality came out, and it was really cool to see.”

Shelton rues rules changes

Shelton wasn’t happy to hear when MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the seven-inning doubleheaders and runner starting the 10th inning on second base in extra-inning games aren’t likely to return.

Manfred said Tuesday before the All-Star Game that the rule changes were based on medical advice for covid-19, and doesn’t expect them to be “part of our future moving forward.”

Shelton, a self-described “big fan” of the seven-inning doubleheader, said he was “a little disappointed” that it won’t continue. Shelton said he’s in favor of the “premise of the rule” for extra-inning games but would prefer to play the 10th inning by regular rules.

“I think it affects it mentally, especially if the visiting team does not score,” Shelton said. “I think we initially went into it thinking you were going to get multiple runs to win. I think the one thing that it has done, and I don’t know the stats on it, but has there been a 14- or 15-inning game since it started? I think the reason it was put in place was for the bullpens. If we go back to a regular you’re gonna see more position players pitching later in games.

“Going 16 or 17 innings has a great effect not only on that night, but the coming nights and if you have to option a guy or if you have to use a starter or use a position player. So, in that respect, not knowing those numbers, it probably served its purpose.”

‘A good showing’

Shelton called it a “really cool experience” for the Pirates to have two starters in second baseman Adam Frazier and center fielder Bryan Reynolds for the National League in the All-Star Game.

Shelton said he “jumped off the couch” when Reynolds hit a shot to the warning track in right field, believing that he “got the ball” and hoping that it would be a home run. Shelton also pointed out the “two really good plays” Frazier made to rob Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of hits, and that the major league hits leader (115) got a knock.

“I was not surprised that Adam Frazier got a hit in the All-Star Game. It seems like he got a lot in the first half,” Shelton said. “So really cool and a good showing for the Pirates.”

Roster moves

The Pirates reinstated corner infielder/outfielder Phillip Evans from the concussion injured list and recalled right-handed reliever Nick Mears from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday afternoon. It’s the third stint with the Pirates for Mears, who hasn’t appeared in a major league game this season.

Mears replaces lefty reliever Sam Howard (right oblique strain), who was placed on the 10-day IL on Wednesday (retroactive to July 10). Shortstop Cole Tucker was optioned to Indianapolis to make room for Evans.

Shelton said two others Pirates on the IL “are getting closer to being activated.” Right fielder Gregory Polanco (bilateral adductor strain) ran the bases Friday, and reliever Duane Underwood Jr. (right side discomfort) threw a bullpen session Thursday and “should be be itching toward coming back.”

Looks like the Pirates have signed 10th-round pick Justin Meis, a right-handed pitcher from Bethel Park and Eastern Michigan. (Source: His mom). https://t.co/Jdb1e7h3cm

— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) July 16, 2021

Five draft picks sign

The Pirates announced the signing of a handful of second-day draft picks on Friday: San Diego State shortstop Mike Jarvis (sixth round), San Diego State catcher Wyatt Hendrie (seventh), Cal right-hander Sean Sullivan (eighth), Louisville outfielder Luke Brown (ninth) and Eastern Michigan right-hander Justin Meis of Bethel Park (10th).