Pittsburgh Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk confirmed that outfield prospect Jared Oliva (oblique) will be out of action for at least four weeks at the alternate training site after sustaining a left oblique injury. The Pirates have already given up on the center field platoon of Anthony Alford and Dustin Fowler, as both have been designated for assignment. But Oliva, the team's No. 16 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will not be an option at the position because of his injury. Instead, Bryan Reynolds is expected to man center field in the short term, while Ka'ai Tom will have a great opportunity to claim the start job eventually. Brian Goodwin, who has experience at all three outfield spots, is also an option at the team's alternate training site.
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jared Oliva hit his first home run of the spring on Wednesday night as he finished 1-for-2 in the loss to the Yankees. Oliva has only appeared in three games this spring and is 2-for-6 with two RBI, two runs, a walk and a strikeout in that span. While he has shown some pop in the minors, Oliva's main asset has been his speed as he has 84 stolen bases across three seasons in the Pirates' system. The Pirates have had some competition in the outfield this spring, but it appears likely that Oliva will start off the year at Triple-A. Managers should keep a close eye on him though, as he could very quickly end up in Pittsburgh at some point this season and he could become a good add off the waiver-wire for his speed potential.
Jared Oliva Receives First Big League Call-Up Monday
The Pittsburgh Pirates summoned outfielder Jared Oliva from the clubs alternate training site prior to Mondays contest versus the Cubs. Oliva, ranked as the teams No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline, tagged the ball to the tune of an .886 OPS in 26 Arizona Fall League games last year, all while adding 11 stolen bases. To make room on the active roster, Pittsburgh placed Jason Martin (back) on the 10-day injured list due to an upper back strain. Oliva is not among the starting nine Monday, but he could see a start or two over the final week as the Bucs attempt to get their younger players some big league exposure.
Jared Oliva
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Pirates
