Francsico Cervelli Activated From Disabled List

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 23: Pitching coach Ray Searage
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 23: Pitching coach Ray Searage /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates will be getting a big boost on Monday night when catcher Francisco Cervelli returns to the lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies

On Monday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Pirates activated Francisco Cervelli from the 10-day disabled list. Cervelli was recently transferred to the 10-day disabled list after being on the 7-day disabled due to his second concussion of the season.

Prior to going on the disabled list, Cervelli was having an up and down season offensively. He owns a .345 on-base percentage, 11.3 percent walk rate, wOBA right at the league average of .320, and a wRC+ of 98. However, his .131 ISO is the second highest of his Major League career.

Where the Pirates missed Francisco Cervelli most was defensively. The past three seasons he has been one of the best pitch framers in all of Major League Baseball. Additionally, he does an exceptional job of handling the Pirate pitching staff and has been one of the best catchers in the league this year in blocking behind the plate.

Elias Diaz and Chris Stewart had been filling for Cervelli. Diaz has a cannon of an arm behind the plate but struggles to handle the staff and is a poor blocker. Stewart is an excellent pitch framer, but his arm is not as strong as Diaz.

Additionally, both are very poor offensive players. Elias Diaz owns a .309 on-base percentage and a wRC+ of 81 this season. Meanwhile, Stewart’s offensive output has been abysmal as he owns a .254 on-base percentage and a wRC+ of just 38.

On top of being returning from the disabled list, Cervelli will be in the starting lineup on Monday night for the Pirates. He will be behind the plate catching Ivan Nova, as well as hitting seventh when the Pirates battle the Phillies at 7:05 this evening. Getting Cervelli back will be a huge boost for the Pirates, especially defensively.

Next: Josh Harrison Named a National League All-Star

To make room for Cervelli on the 25-man roster the Pirates optioned right-handed reliever Edgar Santana to Triple-A. This was the wrong move, as the Pirates should have designated Antonio Bastardo for assignment.