Polanco went 1-for-4 with an RBI single in a 5-1 loss to the Reds on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The start was his first in nine days after he missed time while going through COVID-19 protocols. Polanco struck out three times Wednesday, bringing his total to 29 whiffs in 85 at-bats. If he can stay healthy, the outfielder seems set to see plenty of playing time with the team nursing a number of injuries. He's hitting .304 with two doubles and two homers in 23 career at-bats against Thursday's starter Anthony DeSclafani.

Polanco (COVID-19 protocols) was activated prior to Tuesday's game against the Reds. He is available off the bench.

EDGE Analysis

He missed a week while going through protocols. Polanco not being in the lineup on the day of his activation is a testament to his struggles thus far. He is hitting .200 with three home runs and four steals. The power/speed contributions have been nice, but Polanco sits against all lefties -- he is sitting against righty Jeff Hoffman on Tuesday -- which limits his ability to compile runs and RBI in this weak offense.

Manager Derek Shelton said Monday that Polanco (COVID-19 protocols) is expected to rejoin the team in the next few days, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Polanco has been on the COVID-19 injured list since Tuesday after he violated the league's health and safety protocols. Phillip Evans and Troy Stokes should continue to handle the duties in right field until Polanco is cleared to return to the team.

Polanco was confirmed to be on the COVID-19 injured list Saturday due to a violation of the league's health and safety protocols, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Polanco reportedly used a training service that was not part of the Pirates' team bubble. He was placed on the injured list Tuesday to prevent any possible case of COVID-19 spreading to the rest of the team. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return.

Polanco was placed on the injured list Tuesday for unspecified reasons.

EDGE Analysis

The Pirates announced the move without an injury designation, so it's possible Polanco has been placed on the COVID-19 injured list. The 29-year-old will be eligible to return once he clears league protocols if that is indeed the case. Regardless, he should be considered out indefinitely until any specifics are provided. Hunter Owen had his contract selected by the Pirates in a corresponding move.

Polanco went 0-for3 with a walk, strikeout and steal in Pittsburgh's 2-0 loss to San Diego on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Polanco walked with two outs in the second and subsequently stole second to get in scoring position but failed to do anything else of note. The fourth stolen base places him among the league leaders and is already more than his totals from 2019 and 2020.

Polanco went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Saturday's 12-5 loss to St. Louis.

EDGE Analysis

He's 8-for-23 with a homer and two stolen bases in his last six starts. Moreover, Polanco features some of the best numbers of his career against Sunday starter, Carlos Martinez. The lefty has 14 hits in 29 at-bats against Martinez, including six extra-base hits and an 8:3 BB:K.

Polanco isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Polanco has recorded hits in each of his last four games, but he'll take a seat Wednesday with left-hander Mike Minor starting for the Royals. Wilmer Difo will take over in right field and bat seventh.

Polanco went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Sunday's 6-2 win over the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Polanco led off the seventh inning with a single and scored on a Kevin Newman RBI single. In the eighth, Polanco added a solo shot to pad the Pirates' lead. The 29-year-old outfielder is slashing .213/.314/.393 with three homers, four RBI, 10 runs scored and two stolen bases through 18 games. Sunday was his first multi-hit effort since April 14.

Polanco will sit against lefty J.A. Happ and the Twins on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The Pirates have only faced four lefties so far this season, and Polanco hasn't started against any of them. Wilmer Difo gets the start in right field on this occasion.