Jordy Mercer's Playing Time

Yet again, Jordy Mercer watched the Pirates from the bench today. Since he was recalled from the minor leagues on May 29th, he has been given just 11 plate appearances over four games, despite the Bucs playing 16 games since that date. With the current lack of playing time Mercer should be sent back down the minors sooner rather than later, but does this lack of playing time indicate that the Pirates view him as a long term option?

Mercer entered the season as one of the top middle infield prospects in the system and had had a good start to the year – with a .352 wOBA at Triple A. The Pirates usually tend to prefer to have prospects playing every day in the minors rather than sitting on the bench in the majors. Prior to the confirmation of Mercer’s call up, Dejan Kovacevic stated that once he was called up, he would be a regular in the line-up. Whether this was from an inside source or based on the previous approach undertaken by the Bucs front office, this has not been the case. Over those 11 plate appearances, Mercer has picked up a hit and two walks while striking out three times. He’s had one trip to the plate since starting against the Brewers on June 1st (a pinch hit walk against the Royals) and Josh Harrison has seen time at short even with Mercer in the majors.

Mercer’s call-up has happened to coincide with Clint Barmes actually showing something with the bat (hitting .297/.297/.432 over the last two weeks prior to today's game), though I have stated my belief that the Pirates will not give up on Barmes early – he was the club's biggest offseason acquisition and is under contract for next year, so management will give him every opportunity to prove that signing him was not a mistake. The presence of Mercer and Chase d’Arnaud at Triple A made the signing of Barmes on a two-year deal even more curious as he essentially blocks their paths to a starting role in the majors. Mercer was beginning to look major league ready prior to the promotion; although this period of inactivity will have cooled his bat off (he was hitting .358/.408/.453 in May for Indianapolis).

Though Mercer may start tomorrow, he could have been sent down prior to this road trip in favour of Jeff Clement, who could have served as the designated hitter in American League ballparks (although Clement has been struggling with an injury this week and would have required a spot on the 40 man roster), just to see if he could help the current anemic offense. Nonetheless, I doubt that he will remain on the 25 man roster for much longer as he really needs to be sent down to get regular at-bats. Why Mercer was called up to sit on the bench and whether he is viewed as a long term option remains to be seen. Although Barmes' progression at the plate hasn't helped Mercer's case for a regular role, his current position with the Pirates is either an indication of a change of approach with prospects by the front office or a signal that they do not envision a long term role for Mercer – hence why he has become this year’s Pedro Ciriaco.