Jordy Mercer was back atop the Pirates lineup Friday for a series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, and, for the first time in his 431 starts in the majors, Mercer was batting leadoff against a right-handed pitcher. He often leads off often against left-handers, though.
Manager Clint Hurdle said there were a number of factors that led to Mercer leading off. His left-right platoon splits have evened this season — he’s batting .279 against right-handers, .286 against left-handers. He entered the weekend on a six-game hitting streak. He also has a .500 on-base percentage in 20 career plate appearances when representing the first batter of the game for the Pirates.
In addition to all those numbers, Mercer has a .318 average and .394 OBP at home this season.
“His volume of work here at PNC Park is significant,” Hurdle said.
Down at fifth in the order Friday was John Jaso. After a strong start, Jaso’s offensive production has stagnated. He has batted .212 with a .299 OBP since the start of June. Since Phillies right-hander Zach Elfin has fared better against left-handed batters, Hurdle looked for a new leadoff man.
“I told [Jaso], ‘This isn’t scientific. I can’t overcook it. I just want you to hit somewhere different,’ “ Hurdle said. “I’m just trying to leave John in a different scenario and am looking for another guy to plug in. I was much more drawn to giving Mercer the opportunity than anybody else.”
Hurdle said he doesn’t think Jaso has necessarily felt too much pressure batting high in the order. Sometimes, Hurdle said, change for change’s sake is OK. From time to time, Hurdle will find a new way to drive from his home to the ballpark — just to keep things fresh.
“[There’s] the preconceived mindset walking in the door: I’m a leadoff hitter, maybe I need to see pitches,” Hurdle said. “Or, you know what, you’re hitting sixth, maybe you don’t. Anything I can give him to just give [Jaso] a different reference point when he steps in there, to see something good and get his swing off.”
Rotation update
The Pirates will pick up after their off day Monday with left-hander Francisco Liriano starting Tuesday and right-hander Gerrit Cole Wednesday. Left-hander Jeff Locke, whose spot will be skipped, threw a side session Friday and will be available out of the bullpen today and Sunday.
Before the game, Hurdle declined to name a starter for today. It likely will be Tyler Glasnow.
Thursday, Liriano struck out 13 and walked none. According to Elias Sports Bureau, the only other Pirates pitcher to equal that line since 1893 — when the pitching distance was fixed at 60 feet, 6 inches — was right-hander Jose DeLeon, who struck out 14 April 16, 1985 against the New York Mets.
Kratz released
Veteran catcher Erik Kratz cleared waivers Friday and elected free agency. Kratz, purchased by the Pirates from the Los Angeles Angels after Francisco Cervelli was injured June 10, was designated for assignment Tuesday when Cervelli returned from his rehabilitation assignment.
Kratz was 6 for 56 (.107) with the Pirates. The highlight of his brief time in Pittsburgh was a solo home run off the San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner in the Pirates’ 1-0 win June 20. In a 15-4 loss the next day, jack-of-all-trades Kratz threw a scoreless inning in relief.
Stephen J. Nesbitt: snesbitt@post-gazette.com and Twitter @stephenjnesbitt.
First Published: July 23, 2016, 4:18 a.m.