Pirates outfielder Jared Oliva hears cheers at PNC Park, checks off more boxes in 2nd stint

Jared Oliva checked off some of the most important firsts in his career last year as a September call-up, when the Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder made his major league debut and recorded his first career hit.

It wasn’t until he returned to the Pirates last Thursday that Oliva got his first real taste of the atmosphere of playing at PNC Park.

“Obviously, first off, it’s cool to have fans,” Oliva said. “That’s the most noticeable difference from last year. It’s awesome.”

Oliva experienced the cheers of a Pirates victory for the first time Sunday, when he caught an Omar Narvaez fly ball to right field for the final out in a 2-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Pirates promoted Oliva, ranked their No. 15 prospect by MLB Pipeline, for depth when first baseman Colin Moran (fractured left hand) went on the 10-day injured list. At age 25, Oliva is at the point of his career where he wants to be recognized as a major leaguer.

“I don’t like using ‘prospect.’ I’m just a ballplayer,” Oliva said. “I think everyone, when you get to the Triple-A level, you realize how immediate of an impact you can make. I was expecting once I was ready to play just getting my mind right being up here and letting the rest dictate itself.”

After missing the first two months of the season with a left oblique strain — the injury occurred on his first swing in an alternate training site game in Columbus — Oliva played only 15 games at Triple-A Indianapolis before being called up to join the Pirates.

“Getting an opportunity to come up here, I figured I was going to have a chance to play and contribute,” Oliva said. “I’m looking forward to making the most of the opportunity. That’s as simple as it sounds.”

With outfielders Ka’ai Tom (lower back strain) and Gregory Polanco (hip inflammation) also dealing with injuries, Oliva was forced into the starting lineup the past three games. He has only one hit in 11 at-bats but recorded the first RBI of his career Saturday with a single that scored Ben Gamel in an 11-2 loss.

Oliva made a shoestring catch of a Jackie Bradley Jr. line drive to right in the seventh inning, then showed off his arm with a throw to third that held Willy Adames at second base on an Avisail Garcia fly ball to right in the ninth.

“Defensively, he looks better. He looks more comfortable,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “The one thing I will say is, he’s definitely adjusted his throwing stroke. I give him credit. It was one of the things we outlined when he went to Bradenton, and it’s considerably different and considerably better.

“There’s still some things he’s working on the plate that we outlined. Unfortunately, because he missed the time with the oblique, we’re still working through those things but definitely seeing signs of growth.”

A natural center fielder, Oliva is adjusting to playing the nuances in right field at PNC Park for the first time. He spent time practicing playing fly balls off the Clemente Wall and learning how to play balls hit down the line and into the corner.

“The biggest thing, as with any park, is knowing your surroundings and just playing the park,” Oliva said. “Just knowing the foul lines, not much room down the corners, to how the ball bounces off the wall. There’s a fence, then there’s metal midway through. You’ve got to know the wall, know your surroundings when the ball’s in flight.

“It’s a fun challenge. Every park has its unique features. It’s just taking the reps in BP and getting used to it, picking (Polanco’s) brain a little bit because he’s been out there quite a bit and knows how the wall plays.”

Oliva’s starting stint could end soon, as Phillip Evans got the nod in right field on Monday night and Polanco has served as a pinch hitter in two of the past three games and could be ready to return to playing soon. The Pirates also activated John Nogowski, acquired from St. Louis in a trade Saturday, and the first baseman also can play the corner outfield positions.

Until then, Oliva intends to make the most of his opportunity.

“I got a couple of the firsts checked off,” Oliva said. “The big thing for me is I’m more comfortable with the staff and the guys here. Last year, I felt good coming up, but my first big league camp, I was a little bit nervous. I think that’s the biggest difference, just trying to feel comfortable. I feel like I’m stepping in and ready to contribute.”