Huntington: Alen Hanson will play 3B at Indy, but it's all part of the plan

IF Alen Hanson (AP)

KANSAS CITY — Pirates infield prospect Alen Hanson will soon see time at third base, but his days at second are not over. General manager Neal Huntington confirmed a Pirates Prospects report that Hanson — originally signed as a shortstop, then moved this year to second base — will play third base for Class AAA Indianapolis, but he stressed the move had been part of a long-term plan for Hanson.

“He is NOT moving to third base,” Huntington wrote in a message. “He IS gaining experience at an additional position to potentially help make a ML team and to help a ML team win games. This was a part of the plan for Alen but our recent injuries has shifted to timeframe forward.”

Injuries to Josh Harrison (thumb) and Jordy Mercer (left leg/knee) will leave the Pirates without their starting third baseman and shortstop until early September. 

Hanson, 22, is batting .286 with 25 steals in 78 game at Indianapolis. He is playing second tonight for the Indians.