Years later, Madris set to take new shot at old position

PITTSBURGH -- Bligh Madris hasn’t been a first baseman since he was a teenager. He was drafted as an outfielder. The grass -- from left to center to right -- has become his sole domain. But that small, familiar patch of dirt might once again be calling his name.

Madris, who was recalled on Thursday as outfielder Bryan Reynolds was placed on the paternity leave list prior to the Pirates’ 8-7 loss to the Phillies, returns to Pittsburgh having acquainted himself with an old flame: First base. For the Pirates, it’s a position that hasn’t been setting the baseball world ablaze, but perhaps Madris can provide a spark.

“We wanted to expose him to a new position,” said manager Derek Shelton. “[He’s] getting better. It's just the ability to add different things to his repertoire.”

For Madris, who played right field in his return and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, this isn’t so much an addition as it is a reintroduction. As a freshman at Colorado Mesa University, Madris spent a good chunk of his time at first base, occasionally seeing time in the outfield. As a junior, Madris spent a good chunk of his time in the outfield, occasionally seeing time at first base. As a professional, Madris spent all his time in the outfield, full stop. Last week, that changed.

On June 12, Madris got the nod at first base for Triple-A Indianapolis. He made 10 starts at the position prior to his return to the big leagues. Prior to that, the last time Madris had played first base was April 22, 2017, for Colorado Mesa. That’s 1,878 days. Despite the five-year layoff, Madris likened the experience to riding a bike.

“Rusty, but we'll get it back,” Madris said.

Unlike riding a bike, however, there will be an adjustment period for Madris to navigate.

Madris has been working extensively with Indianapolis bench coach Gary Green. They sharpen the fundamentals, but they also talk through situations. Shelton said the plan is to ease him into the position and ensure he gets in enough work, a wise course given how long Madris has been away from the position. First base and the outfield require different software, and when it comes to the former position, Madris is in need of a bit of an update.

If Madris can play first base, he’ll have another means of getting into the lineup. Madris mentioned that during his one-on-one meetings in Spring Training, the staff was searching for ways to not only get him to the Major Leagues, but keep him there. Proficiently playing another position would certainly help.

“Versatility is huge in the game today,” Madris said. “So, just trying to take that for what it's worth.”

On the subject of worth, starting Madris at first base is well worth a shot given the production, or lack thereof, that the Pirates have received out of that spot.

The Pirates opened the season with Yoshi Tsutsugo as the starting first baseman, with Michael Chavis occasionally getting some burn. Since Tsutsugo hit the injured list in late May, Chavis and Josh VanMeter have held down the fort. Yu Chang made a brief cameo as well. That quartet, put simply, has left much to be desired.

Tsutsugo is currently worth -1.2 fWAR. That’s the fifth-worst figure in the entire league. His .489 OPS is among the league’s worst.

Chavis has been solid defensively. Offensively, he is hitting .190/.228/.331 since June 1.

VanMeter, who had played 96 innings at first base entering this season, hasn’t been productive on either side of the ball since returning from the injured list.

Chang was designated for assignment long ago.

Pittsburgh’s first basemen have been a net negative. That’s not up for debate. The Pirates can roll with the status quo. Or, they can try something new. In Madris, the team has a clear path to explore the latter.