Pirates' Josh Harrison: Ready to move around diamond

The Pirates could use Harrison as a utility player if Jung-Ho Kang (personal) is forced to miss time, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "I do think there is a buy-in (to move) that's real with him," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I do think his versatility can help him."

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Harrison had his career season in 2014 when he moved around the infield and outfield. Perhaps more importantly, he says he's recovered from a torn thumb ligament. Harrison underwent surgery in July of 2015 and never fully recovered in 2016. "If it was cold or if I didn't hit a ball right, just rolling over that joint sometimes would be painful enough to where I would know that it was still there," Harrison said. He followed a normal offseason program this past winter. "I was able to get after it like I wanted to, without any reservations," Harrison said. The 28-year-old hit .283 with a career-high 19 stolen bases last year but compiled a woeful .699 OPS.