After being billed as the next big thing, Gregory Polanco has struggled in the big leagues. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Pittsburgh Pirates have shipped him back to Triple-A Indianapolis. It is hard to argue with the move as the right fielder has faded quickly after a good start. Polanco will likely rejoin the team when rosters expand in a week.
Polanco has shown some issues in right field despite showing a good arm. However, the biggest issue is at the plate. He is hitting just .197 since July 9. His plate discipline has not been there and the walk numbers have gone down. He was inserted back into the lineup on Sunday after four days off but was 0-for-3.
Travis Snider solid play has moved him above Polanco on the depth chart. The Pirates start a series with the St. Louis Cardinals Monday night and their bullpen is full of left-handers. The timing of this move makes complete sense. There is also a chance that it makes Polanco's Super Two status less of an issue for the Pirates.
The corresponding roster move is rumored to be outfielder Jose Tabata. Media in Pittsburgh had reported that Tabata was not the best teammate in the locker room and that played a big part in his demotion earlier in the year. It looks like he could be called upon as a pinch hitter in the next week if the rumor is true.