Kevin Newman’s appearances in the outfield during his rehab assignment could pave the way for him to play there upon his return to the majors.
“He wouldn’t be playing it down there if it wasn’t” an option, manager Clint Hurdle said Friday.
Newman has played eight games with Class AAA Indianapolis after cutting the back of his right middle finger while helping to assemble a pitching machine. Prior to 2018, he had played nothing but shortstop in the minors. Last year he played some second base. This year he played a game in center, a game in left and two games at shortstop, then repeated the sequence.
“The throwing’s been fine. I think the more experience in the outfield, the more acclimated he’s getting,” Hurdle said. “Decision-making process, when to go ahead and try to throw a ball to a spot to get a guy, when you just need to backdoor to keep a double play in place. Route efficiency’s been pretty good. He’s pretty instinctive. He’s got some athleticism.”
Newman lost the shortstop competition to Erik Gonzalez in spring training, then got hurt before Gonzalez broke his collarbone running into Starling Marte. Cole Tucker has played shortstop in the meantime.
Newman is eligible to come off the injured list at any time. He is hitting .233/.343/.300 in 35 plate appearances on his rehab assignment.
“If our mindset is to continue from here, it’ll be to get at-bats and gain experience in the outfield,” Hurdle said. “If we decide to recall him, it’s because we feel that we need to make another move here and a different way to set up our bench. Either way, there’s nothing that I feel he has to continue to do.”
Archer throws Friday
Chris Archer played catch Friday for the first time since going on the 10-day IL April 27 because of a right thumb issue.
Archer said the six days of rest helped to alleviate the issue. He is eligible to come off the IL Tuesday, though Monday’s off day means the Pirates won’t need a fifth starter until May 11.
Cervelli returns
Francisco Cervelli returned to the starting lineup Friday night, three days after he was hit on the wrist with a pitch.
Osuna optioned
The Pirates activated Jose Osuna from the 10-day IL Friday and optioned him to Class AAA Indianapolis. Osuna began the season on the IL because of a neck issue.
Bill Brink: bbrink@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrinkPG.
First Published: May 3, 2019, 9:17 p.m.
Updated: May 3, 2019, 10:57 p.m.
