Prospect Polanco keeps up strong start at plate

By Tom Singer and Teddy Cahill

April 23, 2014

Outfielder Gregory Polanco, the Pirates' No. 1 prospect and No. 13 overall, continued his torrid start to the season Tuesday. He entered the day leading the International League with a .406 batting average and improved on that mark by going 3-for-5 as Triple-A Indianapolis defeated Toledo, 11-6.

Polanco also hit his third home run of the season, scored three runs and stole a base in the victory.

In 18 games this season, Polanco has at least two hits in 10 of them. After his big game Tuesday, he is hitting .419/.456/.649.

As he has in every game this season, Polanco played right field Tuesday night. He was primarily a center fielder in past years, but as he approaches the Major Leagues, the Pirates are preparing him to play in the same outfield as 2013 National League MVP and current Bucs center fielder Andrew McCutchen.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer. Teddy Cahill is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @tedcahill.