Who Will Be The Pittsburgh Pirates’ September Call Ups?

Jul 8, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher A.J. Schugel (31) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher A.J. Schugel (31) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 7, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Chris Stewart (19) high fives teammates in the dugout after scoring a run against the New York Mets during the fifth inning in game two of a double header at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Chris Stewart (19) high fives teammates in the dugout after scoring a run against the New York Mets during the fifth inning in game two of a double header at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Catcher Chris Stewart

Even though this may make some Pittsburgh Pirate fans angry, Chris Stewart will be back as Francisco Cervelli‘s back up when rosters expand. Stewart has been on the disabled list since July due to a knee injury. However, he has been rehabbing for Double-A Altoona the past few weeks.

Honestly, Chris Stewart is probably ready to return from injury already. However, since Eric Fryer has no options remaining it makes more since to wait until September call ups to bring Stewart back. By doing this the Pirates will not lose Fryer on waivers, and help preserve organizational depth at catcher.

Prior to going on the disabled list Chris Stewart was having a typical Chris Stewart season. He was drawing walks (10.5 percent walk rate) and playing great defense. In the Major Leagues this season Stewart has one defensive run saved, he was an above average pitch framer, and he was throwing out 25 percent of opposing base runners.

Stewart has caught seven games for the Curve during his rehab stint. In these seven games he has 24 plate appearances and in these 24 plate appearances he owns a .419 on-base percentage. I am going to the Curve game tonight, so, hopefully, I will get to see Stew behind the dish.

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