Of all the players reporting to the Pirates' summer camp at PNC Park, the most eyes are going to be on Gregory Polanco.
After a failed return from left shoulder surgery in 2019, Polanco came to spring training in Bradenton, Fla., in much better shape and finally feeling healthy, but the long layoff from team activities because of the coronavirus shutdown did raise concerns. While the Pirates kept in communication with him and their other players since spring training was suspended, there was a level of uncertainty until they got to see him in person.
If these swings in batting practice and the throwing drills Josh Bell saw him take Saturday are any indication, Polanco is in a good place:
Gregory Polanco showing off that sweet swing.pic.twitter.com/Fd9CnwKX9V
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) July 4, 2020
"Today was the most impressive workday that I’ve seen Polanco have since last year," Bell said during a Zoom call after his workout Saturday. "Homers to all fields, definitely homers in the river. And then right after that, after having not thrown for maybe 40 or 50 minutes, he went right into right field and made a few throws to third, a few throws to second, a few throws to home. That was the best I’ve seen his arm since surgery."
A healthy Polanco would be a huge boost for the Pirates and Bell in particular, as he would provide power and protect Bell in the lineup.
Other news, notes, sounds and sights from day 2 of Pirates summer camp:
To continue reading, log into your account:
