NEW YORK — Whether it was his running catch in center field or multiple hits — including a double slapped the other way, punctuated by a headfirst slide into second base — Saturday was the quintessential Jake Mangum game.
The speedy outfielder found a way to have an impact several ways, and his teammates certainly noticed and appreciated the work.
“He's a sparkplug, for sure,” Mitch Keller said. “He's a ball of energy. He's a gamer. Just everything you want in a player. Got nothing bad to say about that guy, man. Love having him on our team.”
Mangum is approaching a neat milestone Monday, as it’ll be one year since he made his MLB debut. A little later than most, he’s quick to point out.
But that longer path has also led to an enhanced appreciation for the game, the 30-year-old learning what he can do best as a player and carving out an identity.
The addition of Mangum should turn out to be a very good thing for the Pirates, as they’ve needed a player like him: speed, high average, contact-based, someone who plays the game with an intensity and flair.
In the short-term, it does create an interesting question: How will they get Mangum enough playing time?
On Saturday, that meant sitting Oneil Cruz and also playing Nick Yorke in right field, something done to get everyone at least one start during the opening series. It may be tougher down the road.
But if Mangum continues to provide energy the way he did against the Mets, it’s not a complicated scenario. They need to play him. They benefit from having his presence.
“He appreciates every opportunity,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “I think he's gonna not try to do too much. He's gonna play his style of baseball.”
Originally drafted and signed by the Mets in 2019, Mangum hit .338 last March/April and also finished the season with a bang, hitting .341 in 25 September games with Tampa last season.
Third in qualified rookies (.296) in batting last year, Mangum isn’t going to blow you away with his power. However, you can’t help but respect how he chased down the ball hit by Francisco Lindor on Saturday or made a number of other difficult plays look routine.
“He does winning things,” Kelly said. “I think that that's what stands out to me the most, is on and off the field. That's the edge that he brings every single day.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.