Henry Davis, who was chosen as the top pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, will be playing as a catcher for the first time in his major league career on Thursday for the Pittsburgh Pirates on the Opening Day in Miami.
Davis, along with second baseman Jared Triolo, will be making their first appearances on Opening Day for the Pirates. Additionally, first baseman Rowdy Tellez and center fielder Michael A. Taylor will be making their first appearances for the Pirates after becoming free agents.
Davis took the opportunity of Endy Rodriguez's surgery on his right elbow during the offseason to return to his original position after playing 49 games in right field last season. With Yasmani Grandal on the 10-day injured list due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot, Davis secured the starting position with an impressive performance during spring training.
Triolo earned the starting position at second base by outperforming Liover Peguero, Nick Gonzales, and Ji Hwan Bae, who was placed on the 10-day injured list.
Connor Joe gets the nod over Jack Suwinski, as Pirates go heavy on right-handed hitters against Marlins lefty Jesus Luzardo on Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/m28Dxv0erp
— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) March 28, 2024
Connor Joe was chosen over Jack Suwinski in the Pirates’ starting lineup, as manager Derek Shelton decided to have a batting order dominated by right-handed hitters to face Miami Marlins left-hander Jesus Luzardo.
Joe will be the first batter and will play right field, followed by Bryan Reynolds in left field, NL Gold Glove winner Ke’Bryan Hayes at third base, Andrew McCutchen as the designated hitter, Davis, Oneil Cruz at shortstop, Triolo, Tellez, and Taylor, with All-Star right-hander Mitch Keller on the mound.
McCutchen is one home run away from hitting 300 in his career.
The Marlins’ lineup includes the returning NL batting champion, second baseman Luis Arraez, followed by first baseman Josh Bell, designated hitter Bryan De La Cruz, center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., third baseman Jake Burger, right fielder Jesus Sanchez, shortstop Tim Anderson, left fielder Nick Gordon, catcher Nick Fortes, and Luzardo.
