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5 Pittsburgh Pirates Who Will See More Playing Time in 2015

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5 Pirates Who Will Play More in 2015

PNC Park Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a tough offseason thus far. The front office has brought in a couple players who need some work, and they lost out on the Russell Martin sweepstakes. Depending on the rest of the offseason, the Pirates may need to lean heavily on some guys who were used lightly last year. Due to different circumstances, these five players will see more playing time in the upcoming season.

5. Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart Pittsburgh Pirates
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

5. Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart Pittsburgh Pirates
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The list starts with the obvious answer to this question. Stewart is going to be used a lot more than he was last season because of the loss of Martin. While his statistics aren’t exactly starter-worthy, he makes this list out of sheer desperation. There is even a chance that his playing time will increase more than expected if new acquisition Francisco Cervelli can’t stay healthy.

4. Jeff Locke

Jeff Locke Pittsburgh Pirates
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jeff Locke

Jeff Locke Pittsburgh Pirates
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Locke makes this list because of necessity as well. Francisco Liriano and Edinson Volquez are both free agents and the Pirates might not be able to bring back one or both of them. On top of that, Charlie Morton and Jameson Taillon are coming off surgeries and won’t be ready for the beginning of the season. Locke is a guy who has had his ups and downs, but the Pirates have to hope he has more up games than down in 2015.

3. John Holdzkom

John Holdzkom Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. John Holdzkom

John Holdzkom Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates called up Holdzkom late in the season, and having a full year in the majors is why he makes this list. His tall frame and his palm ball helped get Holdzkom to Pittsburgh and will keep him there this season. Holdzkom will be used a lot this year because of the Pirates’ need for relief pitchers. He won’t crack into either the setup or closer role, but he will be a solid inning-eating reliever.

2. Gregory Polanco

Gregory Polanco Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. Gregory Polanco

Gregory Polanco Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Last year Pittsburgh wanted Polanco to take over every day duties in right field. He started his time in the majors extremely well but his plate discipline dropped off and he fell into more of a platoon role with Travis Snider. Polanco is still a young player who has plenty of room for growth. The Pirates have every reason to believe that Polanco will be ready to take over right field from the onset of the 2015 season.

1. Pedro Alvarez

Pedro Alvarez Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. Pedro Alvarez

Pedro Alvarez Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Until last year, Alvarez saw a lot of playing time as the Pirates’ every day third baseman. His poor defensive play cost him that job, however, and now Pittsburgh is planning on using Josh Harrison at third. So why is Alvarez on this list? It looks like he will be used at first base, where his atrocious defensive play won’t hurt the team. Alvarez will likely be used as a platoon player, but his power makes it hard to keep him off the field.

Andrew Lenz is a blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RealAndyLenz, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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