Pirates Prospects reports that new addition Jordy Mercer, a shortstop promoted Tuesday from Class AAA Indianapolis, won't be replacing Clint Barmes as the Pirates' starter.
"Nothing's changed," [Clint] Hurdle said. "Barmes is our shortstop. We’ll find opportunities to get Josh involved. We’ll find opportunities to get Jordy involved as well. As a matter of fact, I talked to Clint today. Mercer was not brought up to replace Barmes. I just think it makes us a better ball club now. Our strengths, I think are in a better place."
This is about what one would expect from Hurdle in this situation. Barmes has had a terrible season, but it's still a little early for the Pirates to dump him completely, given the $10.5 million contract to which they signed him before the season. Until they're willing to part ways with him completely, it doesn't make much sense for the Pirates to declare that he'll be a bench player. Regardless, I do expect Mercer to get a fair amount of playing time at shortstop.
Josh Harrison is starting at shortstop Tuesday night against the Cincinnati Reds.
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