Pirates' David Freese: Full time duty likely

Freese will likely see steady playing time at third base in April following news that starter Jung Ho Kang has reportedly been denied a work visa.

Analysis:

Freese represents Pittsburgh's best option at the hot corner, though less steady options like Phil Gosselin, Alen Hanson and John Jaso remain occasional possibilities. Adam Frazier has five games of big league experience at third and the organization could also decide to move Josh Harrison off second base at times. For his part, Freese got off to a strong start in 2016, but he hit only .247/.331/.333 in his final 169 plate appearances. He's doing well in Grapefruit League action, batting .375 in 32 at-bats.