Pirates Place Adam Frazier On 10-Day Disabled List

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had to use the disabled list for the first time in the 2017 season

Through the first 18 games of the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates had not lost anyone to the disabled list. Unfortunately, this changed on Monday when the Pirates placed super utility man Adam Frazier on the 10-day disabled list.

Frazier was placed on the disabled list with what the Pirates are calling a hamstring strain. This makes Adam Frazier the first Pirate player to go on Major League Baseball’s new 10-day disabled list. In a corresponding move, the Pirates promoted right-handed reliever Dovydas Neverauskas from Triple-A Indianapolis.

In 15 games and 54 plate appearances, Adam Frazier owns a .357 wOBA and a 128 wRC+ this season. Through the season’s first month he had been one of the team’s most consistent hitters. This came in spite of his glaring defensive shortcomings.

The news also comes to a team that can not afford many more blows to their lineup. After all, the Pirates are already without their best player Starling Marte (suspension) and best power hitter Jung Ho Kang (Visa issues) at the moment.

It is an intriguing move to see the Pirates promote Dovydas Neverauskas over a position player. Possibly, Neal Huntington is working the waiver wire/trade market for outfield help with Marte suspended. And if that help is not found, we could see a pitcher removed from the roster in some fashion with a position player, most likely Max Moroff, promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Next: Minor League Roundup: April 22

Dovydas Neverauskas has never pitched in the Major Leagues but has a bright future as a relief pitcher in the Majors. In 8 1/3 innings pitched at Triple-A this season he had not allowed a run, he struck out 7 batters, and he had issued just 3 walks.

He owned a 2.68 FIP and 3.72 xFIP at Triple-A. In 30 innings pitched at Triple-A last year Neverauskas owned a 3.20 FIP and a 3.44 xFIP.