Peguero is hitting .314 in 19 Minor League games with Triple-A Indy.
The Pittsburgh Pirates could use some help offensively, especially in the bottom third of the lineup.
Despite scoring seven runs on Friday and nine on Monday, thanks to a season-high 18 hits, the Pirates’ offense still needs improvement.
The Bucs rank tied for 23rd in hits (7.4), 23rd in on-base percentage (.304), 24th in runs (3.6), 26th in home runs (18), 27th in OPS (.639), and 28th in slugging (.335).
Infielder Liover Peguero made his MLB debut in 2022 before being sent back to Double-A Altoona after one game. He’s only played in 62 big league games since.
Acquired in the Starling Marte trade in Ben Cherington’s first big deal, Peguero is off to a hot start hitting in the 6th spot of the order.
In 19 games (70 at-bats), Peguero owns five doubles, one triple, one home run, and 10 RBIs. Peguero struck out 139 times in 128 games last season, but only 10 times this year compared to seven walks.
He’s slashing .314/.377/.457, plus an .834 OPS. Peguero has also stolen three bases.
LIOVER PEGUERO. GRAND SLAM. pic.twitter.com/xKCRwa3PPN
— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) July 24, 2024
Is it time for another chance?
Peguero received an extended look in 2023, hitting .237 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs. He only appeared in three games one season ago.
Nick Gonzales remains sidelined with a non-displaced left ankle fracture, and 33-year-old Adam Frazier has played the majority of games at second base. Peguero has primarily played second base and came up as a shortstop.
Frazier has been fine for the Pirates with three doubles and eight RBIs, but is only slashing .222/.388/.306 and hasn’t driven the ball consistently in 23 games. Giving the 24-year-old Peguero a chance to bat sixth or seventh and earn consistent at-bats with Gonzales out makes sense.
Alika Williams Liover Peguero
Fancy Glovework pic.twitter.com/Ob0FPHXhTk
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 29, 2023
It might take time for Peguero to return to Pittsburgh, but why wait? The bottom of the order hasn’t produced well enough, and Peguero isn’t a defensive drop-off from Frazier.
If Frazier dips below .200 and the Pirates offense sputters against the Dodgers, recalling Peguero from Indianapolis for a two or three-week audition could give the Pirates the spark they need.