If it seems as if the Pirates don't have a starting catcher, maybe that's because they don't?
Since June 17, when Joey Bart was activated from the concussion IL, he and Henry Davis have almost evenly split the starts, nine going to Bart (including tonight), and seven going to Davis (plus the one he'll doubtless make here with the day game Sunday).
In that span, Bart's 8 for 35 for a .229 average, Davis 5 for 23 and .217.
I asked Don Kelly what his plan might be for these two:
"We're just going back and forth, just trying to find time for both to get in there," he replied. "I wouldn't say it's gonna be one over the other in a big way right now, more of an even split, and try to figure out who's the best option."
He added he'll occasionally give one consecutive starts, in case that might help further decisions.
There's a glaring separator between the two, of course, but it's not Kelly's place as field manager to prioritize playing a No. 1 overall pick. Plain and simple, Davis has to come through for the Pirates. A franchise spending at this scale can't swing and miss at that spot in the draft under any condition.
Speaking only for myself, I wouldn't mind seeing Davis see more starts, even if it's a gradual incline. Partly because of his status, but also partly because he's come across as so much more comfortable -- on and off the field -- when he's been the guy.
Know what I mean?
Some individuals are just meant to be that. He's like that.
We'll see how this further unfolds in the second half, but I'll be surprised -- and disappointed -- if Davis doesn't take over relatively soon.
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THE ASYLUM
Dejan Kovacevic
12:29 am - 07.06.2025SeattleDK: Who's really the catcher?
If it seems as if the Pirates don't have a starting catcher, maybe that's because they don't?
Since June 17, when Joey Bart was activated from the concussion IL, he and Henry Davis have almost evenly split the starts, nine going to Bart (including tonight), and seven going to Davis (plus the one he'll doubtless make here with the day game Sunday).
In that span, Bart's 8 for 35 for a .229 average, Davis 5 for 23 and .217.
I asked Don Kelly what his plan might be for these two:
"We're just going back and forth, just trying to find time for both to get in there," he replied. "I wouldn't say it's gonna be one over the other in a big way right now, more of an even split, and try to figure out who's the best option."
He added he'll occasionally give one consecutive starts, in case that might help further decisions.
There's a glaring separator between the two, of course, but it's not Kelly's place as field manager to prioritize playing a No. 1 overall pick. Plain and simple, Davis has to come through for the Pirates. A franchise spending at this scale can't swing and miss at that spot in the draft under any condition.
Speaking only for myself, I wouldn't mind seeing Davis see more starts, even if it's a gradual incline. Partly because of his status, but also partly because he's come across as so much more comfortable -- on and off the field -- when he's been the guy.
Know what I mean?
Some individuals are just meant to be that. He's like that.
We'll see how this further unfolds in the second half, but I'll be surprised -- and disappointed -- if Davis doesn't take over relatively soon.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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