In a recent statement, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton highlighted the need for offensive adjustments as the team continues to navigate through a series of challenges. Shelton specifically mentioned the adjustments that rookie catcher Henry Davis needs to make, acknowledging that the major league game has exposed areas that require improvement.

Davis, the Pirates' top prospect and the No. 1 pick in the draft, has had a disappointing start to his big league career. With a slash line of .201/.297/.317 and only seven home runs in 338 plate appearances, Davis has fallen short of expectations. After adjusting for ballpark factors, his performance is approximately 30% below the league average.

Although catchers generally face a steep learning curve in the major leagues, Davis's struggles have been far from ideal for the Pirates. The team had hoped for more from their top prospect, who has yet to live up to his potential. Meanwhile, Joey Bart, acquired in a trade with the San Francisco Giants last month, has taken over as the primary catcher in the last two weeks.

Bart, drafted as the No. 2 pick in 2018, has shown promise in his limited playing time, with a slash line of .219/.359/.531 and three home runs in just 39 plate appearances. However, his defensive performance has been questionable, adding another layer of concern for the Pirates.

As the Pirates entered Friday's play with a 14-18 record, the team has struggled to maintain their early-season success. Starting the year with a promising 9-2 record, they have since suffered 16 losses in their last 21 games. This downward trend emphasizes the need for offensive adjustments and improved performance from the catcher position.

With Davis struggling to meet expectations, the Pirates face a crucial period of evaluation and decision-making. The team must assess whether Davis needs more time to develop in the minor leagues or if adjustments can be made at the major league level to help him find his stride. In the meantime, Bart's contributions both offensively and defensively will be closely monitored as the Pirates strive to regain their winning momentum.

It remains to be seen how the Pirates will address their offensive challenges, but adjustments are undoubtedly needed to turn the team's fortunes around. As the season progresses, the development of Henry Davis and the performance of Joey Bart will be key factors in shaping the Pirates' success moving forward.