The Pittsburgh Pirates have actually done OK at second base during the absence of Neil Walker due to an appendectomy. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t excited about his return to the lineup, however.
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Tom Singer of MLB.com reports that the Pirates expect Walker to re-join them on Tuesday for their series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
"Barring any unexpected setbacks, Walker will rejoin the Bucs during the three-game set against the Rays. Placed on the disabled list following his June 9 appendectomy, the second baseman is eligible for activation Tuesday."
This does create an interesting situation for the Pirates in terms of dividing up playing time. Josh Harrison has covered the bulk of the playing time at second base in the time since Walker has been down and has been on a hot streak lately. Over the last seven days Harrison has batted .333/.391/.524. It will be hard for the Pirates to justify taking him out of the lineup, but it isn’t clear where they should put him.
Gregory Polanco has shined since his big league promotion to Pittsburgh’s outfield. Starling Marte appears to have finally turned things around, a develop that will certainly dissuade manager Clint Hurdle away from taking any of his playing time. As for Walker, he was batting .280/.353/.452 to go along with 11 home runs and 35 RBI before he hit the DL earlier this month. You certainly aren’t going to keep his bat out of the lineup.
It is a welcome problem, of course, but Hurdle will have to get creative to get enough at-bats for all of his hot hitters once Walker returns.