Most of this week was spent debating the strategy of giving players rest and how often to use the depth players off the bench. Unfortunately, the resolution to that “problem” wasn’t a welcome solution, as Jung-ho Kang’s season-ending injury will now force the Pirates to use more of a regular lineup on the left side of the infield, while losing one of their best players in the process.
With Kang out, Jordy Mercer will almost certainly get the bulk of the time at shortstop, although that was happening before the injury. The biggest change will come at third base, where Kang was getting most of his playing time.