SAN FRANCISCO -- Adam Frazier has made the most of his opportunities this season, but Pirates manager Clint Hurdle isn't in a hurry to expand the rookie's role anytime soon.
Frazier went 4-for-5 in Sunday's series finale at Dodger Stadium, his first four-hit game in the Majors. He entered Monday's opener at AT&T Park batting .348 with an .882 OPS and four steals, impressive numbers for a 24-year-old getting his first taste of the big leagues.
Frazier has hit well and proven capable of playing a number of positions, particularly second base and both corner-outfield spots. With him thriving and the Pirates lineup lagging lately, why not give him more regular playing time?
"The understanding is this is a guy we took on to play a role on the team. I don't believe he's in a position right now to force anything," Hurdle said. "When opportunities have presented themselves, he's moved upon them. ... He's doing a very, very good job for us. It's been fun to watch him."
Hurdle paused and laughed.
"And he has five more hits at Dodger Stadium than I ever did," the manager continued. "I had zero lifetime."
Hurdle didn't share that piece of information with Frazier, nor did he enlighten reporters about what's led to the lefty-swinging Frazier's success against left-handed pitchers. Frazier has gone 7-for-11 in the Majors against lefties after hitting .365 off them for Triple-A Indianapolis.
Two reasons Hurdle would point to: His ability to make contact and his refusal to chase pitches outside the strike zone.
"I don't want to give away some of the trade secrets," Hurdle said. "Those are things that I'm willing to throw out there. The other one we just want to keep in-house and continue to watch, because it's been pretty constant."
Frazier kept his explanation even more simple.
"Just stay inside the ball, stay to the middle of the field and not try to do too much," Frazier said. "That's basically it."
Glasnow leaves rehab outing
Top prospectTyler Glasnow was removed from his rehab start for Double-A Altoona on Sunday after throwing three innings and 55 pitches. Glasnow, on the disabled list with right shoulder discomfort, had been scheduled to throw four innings or 65 pitches.
The Pirates' staff "felt it was best to end the outing at that point given their observations and Tyler's pitch inefficiency," the club announced Monday. Glasnow was evaluated by team doctors Monday and deemed healthy enough to throw a bullpen session with the Double-A club Tuesday. After that, Glasnow will likely resume his rehab assignment.
Around the horn
• Starling Marte was back in the lineup Monday after leaving Saturday's game early and sitting out Sunday due to upper back discomfort.
• Gregory Polanco didn't start Sunday against Dodgers lefty Brett Anderson, but he was back in the lineup Monday, batting eighth, to face Giants southpaw Matt Moore.
• Chris Stewart, also on a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona, went 0-for-2 with a walk and caught seven innings Sunday.