Kevin Kramer didn't make contact with any of the nine pitches he saw from Brewers starter Zach Davies at PNC Park on Saturday night. Kramer, a rookie making his third career big-league start at third base, struck out in his only two at-bats before he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning.
He didn't even foul off a pitch. His only impact on the Pirates' 3-0 win over the Brewers were two putouts and an infield assist, none of which required an extraordinary effort. Kramer, like other prospects he's played with in the club's system, arrived with high expectations, only to struggle against major league pitching when receiving at-bats with the Pirates out of the playoff chase at 78-75.
He's now mired in a 1-for-18 slump with 13 strikeouts and has three hits in 23 at-bats over 13 games, including five starts. Regardless of September production, or lack thereof, Kramer will have a chance to make the opening day roster next spring, likely as a utility man. Until then, his singular focus is showing this ugly start is only the first step toward a long stay in the majors.
"It’s definitely a transition," Kramer told DKPittsburghSports.com. "It’s still a game. I didn’t help myself out much in this stretch. I’ve been off a little bit, and it’s showed. I’m missing pitches I should hit. They're going to take advantage of that if you don’t capitalize on mistakes. They’re going to put you away. It’s one of those things. You have to go through it, and learn from it and get better."
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