Henry Davis joins Pirates, will bat 7th, start in right field vs. Cubs

Henry Davis, drafted No. 1 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, walked into PNC Park on Monday and directly into the starting lineup.

With only 45 Triple-A plate appearances behind him and only two years after he was All-ACC and an All-American at Louisville, he will start in right field and bat in the No. 7 position for the Pirates against the Chicago Cubs.

“If I can help the Pirates win in right, I’m excited about it,” he told reporters before heading out to right field at PNC Park to learn how to play baseballs off the Clemente Wall.

Manager Derek Shelton said Davis also could be used as a designated hitter, but most of his time will be in right field.

Davis, 23, was drafted as a catcher, but also has played right field in the minor leagues. He started this season at Double-A Altoona before being promoted June 4 to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Henry Davis has a locker in the Pirates’ clubhouse between Ke’Bryan Hayes and Connor Joe, where Mark Mathias used to dress. Davis will play RF and bat seventh against the Cubs tonight.

— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) June 19, 2023

With the Indians, he appeared in 10 games — six in right field — with 10 hits. Half of his hits went for extra bases — three doubles, one triple and one home run. He knocked in three runs and batted .286 for the Indians.

“I hope if I continue to play well, I can prove I can help the team win,” he said.

Davis’ locker in the Pirates’ clubhouse previously was occupied by infielder Mark Mathias, who was optioned to Indianapolis. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Elijah Villalobos was designated for assignment.