ATLANTA — All Josh Harrison could do was watch from the dugout when an error at second base gave the Pirates a fourth consecutive series defeat. The rookie on the field in his place, Kevin Newman, had a grounder hit off his glove to allow the go-ahead run to score in a four-run eighth of the Pirates' 5-1 loss to the Braves Sunday at SunTrust Park.
Harrison, 31, did not pinch-hit and has started only three of the club's last 14 games, one of which he finished. He's dealt with an uncooperative hamstring for the past three weeks; however, health isn't the only reason for his recent exclusion from the lineup.
The Pirates, now 66-71 and 10 games back, intend to get younger players such as Newman and Adam Frazier in the lineup as much as possible in September. Rather than resenting the decision, Harrison is embracing it. After all, this will ensure he's healthy this offseason when he could be looking for another job.
"For me, the bigger picture is going healthy into the offseason," Harrison told DKPittsburghSports.com. "I’ve given it everything I have. These guys know that. I have to make a decision for myself to be smart because who knows what the future holds. I do know baseball is in my future. The shift of focus can be a blessing in disguise because I know only one way to play. This can pretty much ensure I’m going into the offseason healthy."
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