The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned outfielders Canaan Smith-Njigba and Jared Oliva to Triple-A Indianapolis, and have reassigned outfielder Cal Mitchell and infielder Mason Martin to minor league camp.
Long-term, the Pirates currently have two outfield spots open. The three outfielders should all be in position to get a shot to play in Pittsburgh this year on either side of Bryan Reynolds. Smith-Njigba is on the 40-man roster, and one of the top candidates in the entire system to take one of those starting jobs. Mitchell has seen his path blocked by the addition of outfielders like Smith-Njigba, but still has the ability to be a starter in the majors if he can transition his raw power…
