Considering the other outfielders in the mix this spring, it's possible that Jhostynxon Garcia could very well be the odd man out when the Pirates travel north to face the Mets in their regular season opener in less than two weeks. Or, maybe not? 

Regardless of the final decision, Garcia currently has the chance to compete in a Pirates uniform and appears intent on making the most of every opportunity, as he did in collecting two hits, including a two-run home run, in the Pirates' 7-5 win over the Tigers here tonight at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. 

"I'm not worried about that," Garcia said of the looming decision regarding where he starts the upcoming season. "I'm working on my things and I'm trying to be better every day." 

Garcia appears to be getting better every day, as he's now hitting .500 (team-high 14 hits in 28 at-bats) with two home runs, five RBIs and nine runs scored in 12 games this spring. He's stolen three bases, walked four times and only struck out four times. So, to sum it all up, he's showcased his bat to ball skills, showed off the speed at times and displayed improved plate discipline to put himself in better positions to produce at the plate. 

Has his spring been understated? Don Kelly sure thinks so. But it's not just because of what he provides with a batting helmet on. The defensive skills, including the arm strength he displayed in throwing out Boston's Wilyer Abreu from right field earlier this spring, have stood out as well. 

"I don’t want to say surprising because we knew he could hit. Surprising in the sense of the other tools that he brings to the table, at least for me personally, have been better than what I anticipated," Kelly said. "The play he made in Boston where he threw the guy out at second base, being able to drop his head and get after a ball in center field, getting a look at it has been really impressive."