Coming into summer camp, it appeared most of the Pirates' roster was set. The new designated hitter spot would be rotated to keep players rested and at least four spots in the rotation were essentially decided. Some bench and bullpen roles would seemingly be up for grabs, thanks to the roster expansion, but most of the starting lineup and rotation seemed decided.
The one exception appeared to be third base. Incumbent third baseman Colin Moran was coming off another respectful campaign at the plate, but struggled in the field once again. Top prospect Ke'Bryan Hayes was major-league ready, and while there are still questions surrounding his bat, he will have one of the best gloves in the league once promoted. If Hayes is the future at the position, Moran's spot in the lineup looked to be in serious jeopardy.
However, Derek Shelton quickly shut down any talks of Moran losing the job at the hot corner just yet.
"I don’t think it’s an open competition," Shelton said on July 1, as players started to report to camp. "I think you’re going to see Colin there a lot. I think you’re going to see other people there. Colin could bounce over and play first if we decide to DH Josh that day. But I think you’re going to see Colin there."
Those words seemed blunt at the time, but at the moment, Moran does not have much of a challenge at his position. Hayes has yet to join the team on the field yet, with the Pirates not providing any reason as to why. Jose Osuna is figured to get much more playing time this year with the addition of the designated hitter, both as a DH and being the fielder to replace the starter when they rotate through that position. After them, the only other options at third base are Erik Gonzalez and non-roster invitee Phillip Evans.
Moran has taken some reps at first base and there will be days he is the DH, but on the whole, he is going to enter 2020 as an everyday player.
"Wherever they need me," Moran said during a Zoom call Monday. "I’ve been playing a good amount of third, some first. I know the DH is in the NL this year. Whatever way they need me. I just want to win some games this year."
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