Pittsburgh Pirates' second-half preview: Polanco could spark playoff berth
Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 49-46
Standing: 4th in NL Central
Team Leaders:
Batting Average: Andrew McCutchen, .324
Home Runs: Andrew McCutchen, 17
ERA: Charlie Morton, 3.32
The Pirates got off to a slow start this season, going 10-16 through the end of April. But thanks in part to a hot June (17-10), Pittsburgh is still in contention in the NL Central.
Reigning MVP Andrew McCutchen continues to be one of the best players in the game, with the third-highest batting average in the National League. Rookie Gregory Polanco has played well, too, with a strong .352 on base percentage.
The Pirates are eight games behind the Brewers in the division, but a run to the playoffs is well within reach, as they sit only three games out of a Wild Card spot.