Jason Mackey reported on The Fan Morning Show that Jake Mangum “will play a lot” but may only start three or four times a week.
Mackey reports that he believes Mangum will be used often as a defensive replacement when he doesn’t start, but he may only start three or four times a week. Mangum is a switch-hitter, so he does not need to be platooned, but with Marcell Ozuna entrenched as the designated hitter, the Pirates have Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Ryan O’Hearn slated for regular outfield at-bats. Mangum figures to start against all left-handed pitching, but Mackey also believes the Pirates will sometimes rest 35-year-old Marcell Ozuna and move O’Hearn to designated hitter so that Mangum can get into the outfield. That could lead to more playing time than expected, but might still only be about 400 plate appearances for Mangum this season.