It felt like it was only a matter of time, as the 26-year-old outfielder was slashing an anemic .128/.244/.154 with zero homers, one RBI and a 19/6 K/BB ratio in 45 plate appearances to start the season. He’ll see everyday at-bats at the Triple-A level in an attempt to get him back on track.

These last two times have both been against righties. Suwinski is just 3-for-28 this season, but he has three barrels and seven hard-hit balls. It’s hard to see how he’s not a better option in left than Tommy Pham, who is 2-for-36 against righties, is batting .128 overall and is the weaker defender at this stage of his career. The Pirates also have Andrew McCutchen starting in right field today while the still ailing Bryan Reynolds continues to DH.

The Pirates are going with Tommy Pham and Andrew McCutchen in the outfield corners today. Suwinski is just 3-for-20 with one RBI and a 10/3 K/BB to date. He hit the ball hard in the opening series against the Marlins, but he didn’t have much to show for it then, and he’s typically gone down swinging since. Still, for the most part, he belongs in the Pirates outfield against righties.

That’s five straight starts for Suwinski, and it feels clear that he is a regular starter, with Andrew McCutchen filling more of a part-time role against right-handed pitching. However, this could also be the Pirates just giving Suwinski an early opportunity to prove he belongs on the MLB roster. After a strong spring training, Suwinski has gone 2-for-15 with six strikeouts and two walks in his first four games.