DETROIT -- The Pirates have seen a lot of firsts during this road trip.
They played their first extra-inning game Sunday. Had their first postponement Tuesday. And will be beginning to play their first games of the 2021 season with a designated hitter this weekend.
When the universal DH was speculated about in the offseason, it was tempting to imagine the best version of the Pirates’ roster and lineups without the pitchers hitting. The club opens its series in Detroit with a split doubleheader Wednesday after Tuesday night’s contest was snowed out, then goes to Minnesota for a weekend series with the Twins beginning Friday.
Unfortunately, the Pirates’ suddenly packed schedule has handcuffed Derek Shelton. And the club probably won’t be able to put its best foot forward when it comes to taking advantage of the DH for the next six games.
“The thing that I’m probably most leery about is … we’re going to play three games in 24 hours and it’s about 30 degrees outside,” Shelton said. “So just kind of monitoring that situation and how we’re going to go about who is going to play and how they’re going to play, that is something that is kind of at the forefront of my mind.”
Shelton said that it’s unlikely he’ll trot out the same person at DH for all six upcoming games in American League parks.
“Maybe people bouncing back and forth to get them up,” the manager said. “The fact that we’ve had two off-days and then we have one at the back end of this, too, allows for a little bit easier [decision] since we’re not in a long stretch.”
Phillip Evans, who made the opening day roster on the strength of his defensive versatility, started as the DH in Wednesday’s opener. Shelton isalso taking his lineup construction on a case-by-case basis to see how each player can handle the elements, where it was less than 40 degrees at first pitch in Detroit on Wednesday.
“Some guys like to go under and get warm,” Shelton said. “May have to do with where they played in high school, where they played in college, what they’re used to. I think that’s individualized for each guys.”
This doesn’t just apply to figuring out who will DH, but also figuring out who will play in one or both games of the doubleheader.
MORE FROM PREGAME
• The same weather that cancelled the opener between the Pirates and Tigers also postponed Ke’Bryan Hayes’ first rehab game at the alternate site. He was scheduled to play just up the road from Toledo but had to have his first game with that club pushed back to Wednesday.
Hayes has been eligible to return from the IL after a bout with wrist discomfort. He first started swinging a bat last week but could be activated by the weekend series in Minnesota.
• Throughout all the debates and speculation about the virtues and goals behind all of the rule changes MLB has put into effect in the past few years, Shelton has a clear favorite.
“I like the seven-inning doubleheaders,” Shelton said. “I really think this outlines best for everybody: for pitchers, for position players, for just overall wear and tear.”
The Pirates’ present situation helps Shelton and MLB’s case for continuing to use the rule after it debuted in the majors during the 2021 season.
It was less than 40 degrees at Comerica Park during the first pitch of a split doubleheader, and it only figures to get colder as the night continues. The Pirates have a getaway day game Thursday before playing a weekend series in Minnesota.
