Pirates' Matt Joyce: Fourth outfielder spot open

The Pirates will give Joyce serious consideration for the fourth-outfielder spot during spring training. "I'd always seen him as a baseball player and a guy who was more than just a contributor," manager Clint Hurdle told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The left-handed hitter holds a career .795 OPS against righties and Pittsburgh currently has only two position players, John Jaso and Gregory Polanco, who bat from the left side. Joyce struggled mightily in Anaheim, but will get his first shot in the senior circuit after spending eight seasons in the American League. Only Sean Rodriguez, Michael Morse and Josh Harrison stand in the way from Joyce making the team and none of those players bat lefthanded. The team will also give Joyce a look at first base, which could boost his prospects for playing time.