Pirates plan for Gregory Polanco to start out as designated hitter when he returns to playing

When Gregory Polanco returns to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup, the right fielder likely first will be used as a designated hitter.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said that’s the plan for Polanco, who has been working out at PNC Park this weekend after being cleared to return from a positive covid-19 test that kept him out the past two weeks.

“As we continue to see him and get eyes on him, we’ll make an evaluation on when he’ll be back,” Shelton said before the Pirates’ 5-1 win at St. Louis on Sunday. “Where he’ll fit in the order, I have not decided yet. I have not done the actual lineup. I have people in. I tentatively have him in a few days, just depending on how he looks.”

In the meantime, the Pirates have started three players in right field in three games, with Guillermo Heredia, Cole Tucker and Jose Osuna, who hit a two-run homer Sunday, taking turns. They have done the same with the DH, using Osuna, Colin Moran and Josh Bell in that role. Both rotations could continue.

“I think we’re trying to find out things about people,” Shelton said. “That’s the important thing with Gregory being down and then, even when Gregory comes back, how much he’s going to get out in the outfield until we get his legs back underneath him. When we have the ability and the flexibility to get guys out there, I think we’re going to do that.”