Picked #1 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, Henry Davis entered PNC Park on Monday and was right on the starting lineup.
With just 45 Triple-A record appearances and just two years after being All-ACC and All-American at Louisville, he will start in right field and hit the No. 7 position for the Pirates against the Chicago Cubs.
“If I can help the Pirates win, I’ll be thrilled,” he told reporters before making his way to right field at PNC Park to learn how to play baseball off the Clemente Wall.
Manager Derek Shelton said Davis could also be used as the designated hitter, but he will spend most of his time in right field.
Davis, 23, was drafted as a catcher but has also played at right field in the minor leagues. He started this season at Double-A Altoona before being promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis on June 4.
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 against the Cubs tonight and bat seventh.
— 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, a triple and a home run. He hit three runs and batted .286 for the Indians.
“I hope if I keep playing well I can prove that I can help the team win,” he said.
Davis’ locker at the Pirates clubhouse was previously occupied by infielder Mark Mathias, who transferred to Indianapolis. To make room in the 40-man squad, right-hander Elijah Villalobos was selected.
Jerry DiPaola is a Contributor to Tribune-Review. You can contact Jerry via email at [email protected] or via Twitter .