Cole Tucker Makes Outfield Debut
4 years agoPittsburgh Pirates shortstop Cole Tucker made his outfield debut in an exhibition game against the Indians on Monday and made a highlight-reel catch in center field. The former first-round pick figures he last played in the outfield when he was 14 or 15 years old. The Pirates told Tucker that shortstop remains his primary position, but adding versatility is the eventual goal. He has the arm strength, speed and athleticism to handle the outfield, and the Bucs could use the depth to open the season with Gregory Polanco out after testing positive for COVID-19. Kevin Newman is the team's everyday shortstop, and Erik Gonzalez, JT Riddle and Phillip Evans are capable backups at the 6. Tucker is a slick fielder but hit just .211 with a .626 OPS in 159 plate appearances in 2019.
Source: MLB.com - Adam Berry
Source: MLB.com - Adam Berry