Polanco shortens his swing
MINNEAPOLIS — As manager Clint Hurdle sees it, Gregory Polanco’s recent improvement began July 6 during the home series against the San Diego Padres.
“You watch the way the ball’s coming off his bat now, from left field to right field,” Hurdle said. “Every part of his game, he’s done something that makes you go, ‘wow.’ ”
In 17 games since that series began and before the game Tuesday night, Polanco has hit .294 with a .377 on-base percentage, nine extra-base hits, nine walks and 12 strikeouts in 77 plate appearances. He made more hard contact and took better at-bats in that stretch.
“He played his best baseball, for me, that he’s ever played in a Pirate uniform,” Hurdle said. “We can finally stop talking about the first two weeks up. This is much better than that.”
Hurdle referred to Polanco’s first 16 games in the majors in 2014, when he hit .338 with two homers.
Polanco said recently he is trying to keep his swing short and take the barrel of the bat to the ball as directly as possible. His height and long arms make this of paramount importance.
“It’s the only way he’ll have offensive success,” Hurdle said. “The more length to the swing, the more problematic it is for him. It’s very difficult for him to maintain and catch up to plus-velocity, and we’ve got a whole game full of plus-velocity now, 95 and higher.”
Injury updates
The Pirates sent reliever Rob Scahill (right forearm tightness) to their facility in Bradenton, Fla., to continue his rehab. He will throw a couple of bullpen sessions before pitching in a simulated game Monday. He is then scheduled to begin his rehab assignment with Class A Bradenton Aug. 6, throwing two innings or 35 pitches.
Outfielder Gorkys Hernandez (left shoulder injury) is still rehabbing with Class AAA Indianapolis, and Hurdle said he plans to speak with Indians manager Dean Treanor today about Hernandez’s status.
The Pirates removed Starling Marte from the lineup Tuesday night because of gastritis.
Morel chooses to be free
Infielder Brent Morel cleared waivers, rejected his outright assignment to Indianapolis and elected free agency Tuesday. He was designated for assignment Saturday to make room for Aramis Ramirez.
Arizona Fall League
Pirates prospects sent to the Arizona Fall League will play for the Glendale Desert Dogs this year, along with players from the Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies organizations.
Class AA Altoona pitching coach Justin Meccage and athletic trainer Dru Scott will represent the Pirates on the Glendale coaching staff.