Bell went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a second run scored in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

His sixth-inning blast off Jon Lester, Bell's third homer of the season, proved to be crucial after the Cubs staged a rally in the eighth that brought them to within one run. The switch-hitting first baseman's hit all three of his home runs within the last week, slashing .316/.435/.789 during that stretch, but hitting in the bottom third of the order has limited him to only six RBI in 21 games. With Pittsburgh looking for offense, expect Bell to work his way into a more productive spot in the lineup if he stays locked in.

Bell went 1-for-3 against the Cubs on Monday and has at least one hit in each of his last seven starts.

EDGE Analysis

He started slowly but is batting .333 in his last 24 at-bats. The switch-hitter has also belted a pair of homers while hitting righty over his hot stretch. There remains a possibility Pittsburgh moves him back to his natural position in the outfield from first base, but his hot bat will likely remain in the lineup, regardless of where he plays.

Bell is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

After starting the last six games, Bell will head to the bench Sunday as the Pirates face off against left-handed Jordan Montgomery and the Yankees. Bell had collected at least one hit in each of his past six contests, raising his batting average from .156 to .220 in the process. David Freese is manning first base in Bell's absence Sunday.

Bell went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in Friday's victory over the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Bell's second homer of the season gave the Pirates a 4-0 lead that they'd never relinquish. After starting out the first half of the month slowly, he's homered in each of his last two games while hitting safely in four straight, but until he puts together some sustained success, he'll likely remain on most leagues waiver wires.

Bell went 1-for-4 with a solo home run -- his first of the season -- during Wednesday's loss to St. Louis.

EDGE Analysis

Pittsburgh is going to need Bell to continue making a difference at the dish after the 80-game ban Starling Marte was announced Tuesday. Bell showed promise as a rookie last season, and especially by walking more times than he struck out (21:19 BB:K). He sports a mini three-game hitting streak (4-for-12), and with the potential of earning a consistent gig in the top half of the Pirates' lineup, Bell is going to be handed an opportunity to succeed.

The Pirates could move Bell back to his natural position in the outfield while Starling Marte (suspension) sits out the next 80 games.

EDGE Analysis

Surprisingly, Bell has struggled more at the plate than in the field. He's slashing .194/.275/.525 in 36 at-bats and the team may look for ways of making him more comfortable. Pittsburgh has several outfield options, including Bell, Adam Frazier, Alen Hanson and Josh Harrison. Top prospect Austin Meadows might also become an option after Super 2 arbitration passes in June. In any event, the Pirates will need Bell -- who went 2-for-4 Monday -- more than ever without Marte in the lineup.

Bell is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

It will be the second time in three games Bell takes a seat, with David Freese moving over to first base this time while Josh Harrison mans the hot corner. Bell was 1-for-3 with a single in Saturday's game, but a .447 season OPS is not helping his case for everyday playing time.

Bell is not in the starting lineup Friday against the Cubs, Adam Berry of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bell is batting .143 in 28 at-bats. He's seeing more pitches per plate appearance (4.23) than he did as a rookie (4.06), but he could lose playing time in the short-term if he doesn't find his stroke. The Pirates often remove him in favor of a late-innings defensive replacement at first base. Despite starting eight games, the 24-year-old has completed only three. John Jaso will get the nod at first base Friday at Wrigley Field.

Bell is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

After starting the first three games of the season, Bell will head to the bench as John Jaso takes over for him at first base. With a righty on the mound (R.A. Dickey), it appears this is just a regular day of rest for the 24-year-old, who hit .211 against southpaws in 2016 while batting .284 against righties.

Bell is hitting second in the Pirates' Friday lineup against the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

The first baseman sat seventh and eighth, respectively, over Pittsburgh's first two games, but those came with the designated hitter in Boston's Fenway Park. This may wind up as Bell's normal spot in the order against right-handed hurlers in National League stadiums. Considering the questions surrounding his power, adding as many plate appearances as possible to his otherwise disciplined skills at the dish will work toward maximizing his value.