WASHINGTON -- If Miguel Andújar was looking to make an entrance in his major-league return, he certainly succeeded.
After having his contract selected and returning to the majors earlier on Saturday, Andújar opened the scoring in game one of the Pirates' doubleheader against the Nationals and Nationals Park with an RBI flare in the second inning. But in a tie game in the sixth, he gave the Pirates the drive they needed:
That two-run shot on a Carl Edwards Jr. fastball that was way up would put the Pirates out in front for good in what would end up being a 6-3 win. In game two, he was brought off the bench to spell Bryan Reynolds and got another one off of Lane Thomas to cap a six RBI night:
MIGUEL ANDÚJAR RAKES pic.twitter.com/BGz1H3tp5y
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 30, 2023
And if you have been following Andúajr in Indianapolis this month, those shots probably don't surprise you.
With Class AAA Indianapolis, Andújar was walking as often as he was striking out while posting a .284/.364/.500 slash line with three home runs and 15 RBIs in his 99 trips to the plate. The Pirates were paying attention, and Ben Cherington approached Derek Shelton earlier this week about calling him back up.
"I think it’s extending what we saw in Bradenton," Shelton said. "Last year when he came here at the end of the year he did a really good job. This kid can hit. It was the right time to get him here."
That home run Saturday might just be a product of a hot hitter staying hot. He fouled off a couple in the zone, but he timed that one up and offered at what probably would have been ball four.
"It doesn’t need to be in the zone with the way his swing works," Shelton said. "He can get up and get to velo."
For Andújar, this could be the opportunity the 28-year-old corner infielder/outfielder has been looking for the last couple years. He was in serious competition for a roster spot in spring training, but ultimately fell short of the job. The results weren't there, but the team liked the hard contact was producing.
He certainly has potential, finishing second for rookie of the year in 2018. Realizing that promise would go a long way and deepen what has already been a very strong Pirates offense.
While waiting in the minors, he noticed what was happening in Pittsburgh and how this team had risen to the top of the division in April.
"I’ve seen this team playing on TV," Andújar said. "I’m happy to be here now."
