DETROIT -- The Pirates’ roster has been turned upside down in the midst of a road trip, and on Thursday, the club parted ways with Dustin Fowler and brought veteran Todd Frazier aboard from the taxi squad.
The Pirates kicked over the other domino in center field and designated Fowler for assignment prior to the team’s series finale against the Tigers at Comerica Park. The move comes a day after Anthony Alford, the opening day starter in center field, was DFA’d.
The Pirates center field experiment was never grandiose in nature. That platoon with which they entered the season was inexpensive both in a financial and prospect sense. But just 18 games into the season and a week after Ben Cherington pledged to remain patient with Alford and Fowler, the plug has been pulled. The duo combined to got 9-for-65 (.138) in their -- potentially first -- tenure with the Pirates.
“We did give both of those guys opportunities,” Derek Shelton said. “Sometimes the roster starts to fluctuate and change. When it does, you have to make adjustments to who you’re calling up. When you need roster spots, there ends up being casualties because of that.”
Basically, Alford and Fowler did nothing to show they weren’t expendable. Even after preaching patience, the Pirates are willing to go into a major league game with just two natural outfielders on the active roster in Bryan Reynolds and Gregory Polanco, neither of whom are regular center fielders.
“We were giving people opportunities, with Alford and Fowler,” Shelton said. “Now, as we continue to adjust our roster, Bryan will move over and play center. That’s not to say he’s going to stay in center for the rest of the year or every day, but I would say in the short term, you’re going to see him in center.”
Phillip Evans, Wilmer Difo and Erik Gonzalez are natural infielders with the potential to play some innings in the outfield. Shelton said that he has not considered using Adam Frazier in the outfield, but his experience in the position is a potential card that can be played if necessary. Veteran Brian Goodwin has been at the alternate site since opening day, but the club doesn’t seem interested in pulling that thread just yet.
Todd Frazier, who Cherington said has an opt out in his minor league deal set to kick in sometime within the next few weeks, has been traveling with the team on the taxi squad. He’s in Thursday’s lineup as the designated hitter and will probably see more time in that spot with four games upcoming in American League parks.
“He's been hitting every day and it's not only regular hitting but velocity off the machine,” Shelton said.
The 35-year-old veteran might see some time at his natural position of third base so long as Ke’Bryan Hayes remains sidelined, but he’ll more than likely get in at first base when he plays the field.
Todd Frazier had three homers and six RBIs in 28 at-bats with the Pirates this spring.
The Pirates' rotation took a hit, as well, as opening day starter Chad Kuhl was placed on the injured list with right shoulder discomfort. Right-hander Geoff Hartlieb was recalled in Kuhl’s place.