LOS ANGELES — When the Pirates established their four-man outfield in late May, manager Clint Hurdle said the arrangement would benefit each player.
Gregory Polanco, who had been struggling at the plate, would have a chance to find his stroke anew. Corey Dickerson, on pace to smash his career-high in games played in the outfield, would get more rest days. So would Starling Marte, who had just returned from the disabled list. And Austin Meadows, the National League rookie of the month in May, would get valuable playing time in the big leagues.
Overall, the outfield’s productivity has declined since May 26, when Marte came off the disabled list and the Pirates implemented their four-man outfield.