Today the Pittsburgh Pirates called up speedy second baseman/center fielder Ji Hwan Bae to help their struggling offense. To make room for Bae on the active roster, pitcher Ryder Ryan was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis, from whence Bae came.
Pirates Offense Bolstered with Call Up of Bae
Bae began the season on the injured list and did not participate in spring training. Thus, the Pirates started Bae on a rehab assignment in Single-A Bradenton. Once activated, the Pirates moved Bae to Triple-A, hoping he could help their offense once he had a few games under his belt. In the minors, he hit .376/.484/.564 with a surprising four home runs.
In 2023 with the Pirates, Bae hit just .231/.296/.311. More importantly, the speedy left-handed hitter stole 24 bases in 33 tries. He saw action at second base, which was an unsettled position for the Pirates roster in 2023, and in center field, where he made several highlight-reel catches. If last year’s major league numbers are found wanting, note that over his minor league career, his OBP is .384. Those on-base skills are what the Pirates will be looking for from Bae.
How he’ll be used is another question. First/baseman outfielder Connor Joe has been the Pirates’ best hitter so far. Joe started the season as the right-handed half of a first base platoon with Rowdy Tellez. Joe has recently forced his way into the everyday lineup, either at first base or right field. Recent remarks by Pirates manager Derek Shelton suggested he was committed to giving reps to the slumping Tellez. Of course, if Tellez is moved to the bench, it wouldn’t be the first time Shelton has told the media one thing and done another.
What Happens Next
The guess here is that Joe will move to first base permanently, sending Tellez to the bench. Bae will be used in the outfield, at least on a platoon basis, and inserted into the leadoff spot of the order of the Pirates offense. There, the Pirates can take advantage of the on-base and base-stealing skills of Bae to create a better, more daring offense. Nick Gonzales, who has been producing since being called up, will remain the second baseman.
Ryan has pitched 13 innings in 11 for the Pirates, to the tune of a 3.46 ERA and 1.231 WHIP. This is already the second time in 2024 that he has been optioned to Triple-A. His parents could have more appropriately named him Rider, given how this season has gone for him. If nothing else, he should be leading baseball in air miles right about now. Eventually, the Pirates will return to a 13-man pitching staff, and Ryan will be a candidate to make the trek to Pittsburgh once again.
