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Pirates Notes: Lineup Versus Left-Handers Shuffled Today

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PITTSBURGH — It’s been a while since they faced one, so the Pirates’ success against left-handed pitchers this season hasn’t been at the top of too many minds, but the Bucs are 15-8 against southpaw starting pitchers this season, and their .776 OPS is fifth in the National League.

San Diego’s Christian Friedrich will be just the second left-handed start the Pirates have faced since the All-Star break. Shortstop Jordy Mercer will not lead off, as has been customary against lefties. He is hitting .303/.404/.487 against left-handers. But Josh Harrison will take the top spot instead, continuing his recent placement against righties.

“It’s the same mentality whether you’re facing a righty or a lefty. Some guys see righties or lefties better than others, some guys don’t,” Mercer said.

Mercer said this year’s Pirates are a bit unique in his mind that they have had a completely different lineup when facing a left-hander.

“Usually it’s the same guys,” he said. “We have that flexibility this year. We have a bunch of different guys that can play a bunch of different positions and do different things. I think it’s a good thing. I think you can insert guys anywhere and you never know what’s going to happen. That’s what makes this team interesting: we have a lot of flexibility and we’re very versatile.”

KANG’S DEFENSE SLIPPING, TOO

Jung Ho Kang has had a rough go of it at the plate since mid-June, posting a .179 batting average and an .561 OPS. But recently, he’s been struggling in the field, as well. He has eight errors on the season, six of which have come since the All-Star break.

“It’s just been recently,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “He’s been such a solid defender. The hands and the feet have worked so well. Why not now? We’re working with him, we’re sharing information and trying find ways to help him. I don’t have a crystal ball and I can’t speculate on what he’s thinking. I just know we continue to communicate with him and try and work with him to get back in the most competitive spot we can on both sides of the ball.”

Kang’s playing time has already been significantly eroded by David Freese’s emergence at third base, so Hurdle didn’t seem to think that some additional days off would be a potential solution.

“His playing time is down based on the performance of some other guys,” Hurdle said. “We’ve given him some down time. We’ll see what it necessitates going forward. I’ve had some conversations with him and H.K. through this, as well. It’s been a challenging year for him offensive and it’s been challenging for him lately defensively.”

BANGED UP BUCS

John Jaso did not play Wednesday and was not available to do so according to Hurdle after being injured in a collision at home plate on Tuesday. He is not in the starting lineup again Thursday. It is unknown if he is available to pinch hit.

Francisco Cervelli left Wednesday’s game with left wrist discomfort in the fifth inning. The issue cropped up after a swing, a similar circumstance to the hamate injury that sidelined him for a month earlier this season. Hurdle was unsure if the two are related. Eric Fryer is catching starter Jameson Taillon. Elias Diaz is in the clubhouse, although no move has been announced.

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