Band-Aids don’t fix bullet holes, but let’s not overstate the problem the Pirates face with injuries to shortstop Jordy Mercer and third baseman Josh Harrison that are expected to keep them out of action for the next six weeks or so.
Mercer has been playing about at replacement level all season, and while Harrison has been a big contributor since his awful start, Jung Ho Kang has proven he can be a serviceable replacement — his .282/.363/.411 slash line is actually better than Harrison’s, albeit in fewer plate appearances.
All the Pirates need to break even in the interim, then, is a capable defender at short who can avoid completely humiliating himself at the plate.