Fix is shorter swing for Polanco

CINCINNATI — The distress signal, oddly enough, was a catcher’s interference call. When Gregory Polanco clipped Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco’s mitt with his bat Thursday and was awarded first base, it was evidence Polanco’s swing had become too lengthy.

In recent weeks, as Polanco tumbled into a prolonged slump, his swing sagged with bad habits. Polanco’s swing path was rotary rather than linear, manager Clint Hurdle said, a loopy, indirect path the ball. It is spelled out in Polanco’s results — 8 for 49 (.163) in his past 14 games.

“Could there be some pressing? Could there be some trying too hard? He’d be a better guy to ask than me,” Hurdle said. “I think we see some length to the swing that’s normally not there. We’d like to see a little shorter approach to the ball. He’s well aware of that. He’s working on some things.”

For Polanco, shortening the swing has long been his aim. He had fixed it, to an extent, entering last season and enjoyed a strong first half. He started well this season, too, going 10 for 23 (.435) April 8-17. Through 23 games, he has a .221/.316/.302 slash line with no homers, four RBIs.

According to Fangraphs, as of Thursday afternoon Polanco’s out-of-zone swing rate (35.4 percent), swinging strike rate (10 percent), contact rate (78.5 percent) and soft-contact rate (26.5 percent) this season all are worse than his numbers the previous three seasons.

Polanco, who has proven power up in the zone, has been pounded by pitches low and away.

“[Pitchers] follow things that are working,” Hurdle said. “If chase down is working, people are going to continue to throw it down and see if he’ll chase. The only way you can rectify that is to look out over the plate and be steadfast with that look up and get off the focus off the down.”

Polanco has made 23 starts this season and batted cleanup in each one. On opening day, Hurdle said he sees Polanco as a run-producer who is a good fit in the cleanup spot. Would Hurdle consider moving Polanco up or down in the lineup until he regains form at the plate?

“So far I haven’t moved him, have I?” Hurdle asked.

No, Polanco has not been moved.

“That probably answers your question,” Hurdle said. “Could there be a time? I’m not going to be stubborn to a fault. I’m going to do what’s best for the ball club. However, you’ve got to let some things run its course. We’re getting to the point now where we need some production out of that spot. We’re all aware of that.”

Catching quandary

With catcher Francisco Cervelli back in the starting lineup Thursday, when he went 2 for 4 in a 4-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, the Pirates have a decision to make. Elias Diaz was recalled from Class AAA Indianapolis Monday and started twice in Cincinnati.

Head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday the nature of Cervelli’s foot injury, which originally occurred in February, is such that it likely will recur this season. Since backup Chris Stewart isn’t built to be an everyday starter, should the Pirates keep Diaz on the active roster to avoid situations like what happened Saturday, when Class A catcher John Bormann was called upon as an emergency backup?

“I’d hate to have a conversation in here that’s going to dictate the man’s next 24 or 48 hours. I don’t think that’ll happen,” Hurdle said. “I am not a fan of carrying three catchers. I think once we find out if Cervelli’s situation can be stabilized, we’ll make an according roster change.”

More than likely, there will be a new face in the Pirates clubhouse Friday at PNC Park.