PT TOMORROW: NL Central—Mercer off to another rough start

 

Pittsburgh Pirates

Jordy Mercer (SS, PIT) hasn't been able to build off last year's strong second half, as he's had a tough start to the season. He's gone 8 for 39, with none of the hits going for extra bases, and to make matters worse, recently missed three games after taking a pitch to the ribs. Mercer returned to action April 24, and came through with the game-winning hit, but he'll need to step up his production in order to maintain a hold on the starting shortstop job.

While the door has perhaps been open for Jung-ho Kang (SS, PIT) to earn a larger share of playing time, he's failed to take advantage, batting just .200/.227/.250 in his first 20 at-bats. He hit 40 home runs in Korea in 2014, and probably has more upside with the...

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