Mangum played center field in the first game of the doubleheader, with two hits and an RBI-single in the 10th inning of the 5-3 win in extra innings. <\/p>\n
The Pirates announced that the team’s medical staff is evaluating Mangum and they will provide an update when they have one.<\/p>\n
Billy Cook will take over in center field with Mangum leaving the lineup and bat ninth for the Pirates.<\/p>\n
Jake Mangum Playing Vital Role for Pirates<\/p>\n
Mangum has had a strong season<\/a>, batting .303\/.353\/.375 for an OPS of .728 in 81 games, with 76 hits, 10 doubles, a triple, two home runs, 21 RBI and 19 stolen bases.<\/p>\n He also took over as starting center fielder, following Oneil Cruz fracturing his hand<\/a>, and has made some great plays, while building an outfield partnership with left fielder Bryan Reynolds and star rookie Esmerlyn Valdez.<\/p>\n Jun 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Jake Mangum (28) makes a catch for an out in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Mangum hit .308\/.352\/.398\tfor an OPS of .751 in 35 games, with 41 hits, seven doubles, a triple, a home run, 11 RBI and eight stolen bases, before the doubleheader and after taking over as the Pirates starting center fielder.<\/p>\n He joined the Pirates, along with second baseman Brandon Lowe and left-handed relief pitcher Mason Montgomery, in trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, with all three playing big roles for the Pirates in 2026.<\/p>\n Mangum also worked as the fourth outfielder when Cruz was healthy, starting 15 games in left field and eight games in right field.<\/p>\n This marks the second injury Mangum has had this season, as he went on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain<\/a>, that kept him out from May 8 to May 17.<\/p>\n Where Pirates Turn if Mangum is Out Long-Term<\/p>\n Cook will likely get much more time in center field, especially if the Pirates are facing left-handed pitching, like they are doing so against Yankees southpaw Max Fried in this game.<\/p>\n The Pirates do have options, but only those who can play in the corner outfield spots, like utility players in Tyler Callihan and Jared Triolo, plus Ryan O’Hearn.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh could recall Jhostynxon Garcia, who has been playing in center field for Triple-A Indianapolis and is his natural position.<\/p>\n Garcia does have a promising right-handed bat, so the Pirates may decide to bring him up until Cruz returns in early August or Mangum comes back before that. <\/p>\n![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01ky603ckwx75ntcbwkh.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
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