CINCINNATI -- Regardless of his playing status on a given night, Jared Triolo has worked off the field to stay prepared for any and all opportunities that might come his way.
Triolo has played more of a utility role upon Nick Gonzales' May 10 promotion and subsequent emergence as a red-hot offensive contributor, but he said he's benefitted most from keeping himself ready by utilizing the Trajekt technology located in the indoor batting cages at PNC Park. The machine has become popular throughout Major League Baseball for its ability to provide hitters with opportunities to simulate at-bats against particular pitchers. It's been particularly helpful for Triolo, who has had just 38 at-bats this month compared to the 85 and 75 at-bats he had in April and May, respectively.
"It's good to get on that, simulate at-bats and get some that might be missed," said Triolo, the Pirates' opening day second baseman. "That's helped me a lot."
Preparation continues to be key, especially during a recent stretch in which Triolo had just 11 total plate appearances over the course of a week. He's had just one hit -- a two-run homer in the fifth inning of Tuesday's win over the Reds at Great American Ball Park -- over that time, but the off-field grind hasn't stopped.
"Just trying to stay consistent with my work," Triolo said. "It kind of gets changed a little bit not playing every day. Just treating every day like a game day and being ready for an at-bat or to play the field."
While Triolo has served as a dependable defensive option around the infield, he's experienced some struggles at the plate in his first full big-league season. He's slashing .209/.287/.288 with four home runs and 24 RBIs in 63 games. In nine more games than he played last season, Triolo has produced less in terms of hits (45), extra-base hits (9), total bases (62) and runs (18). His BABIP (.268) has also come down to earth when comparing it to the .440 number he compiled in 54 games after first being promoted from Class AAA Indianapolis in June of last year.
The offensive results haven't consistently been there for him, but Triolo is trying to remain persistent in finding ways to learn and better himself for any chance he gets to contribute.
"Being in here and watching guys who might not play every day and see how they go about their day, that's helped a lot," Triolo said. "Seeing the way they prepare, seeing how they get ready for relief pitchers or starting pitchers throughout the week is huge."
