Pittsburgh Pirates Make A Pair Of Roster Moves

Mar 7, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Max Moroff (62) tags out Atlanta Braves outfielder Micah Johnson (2) on a steal attempt in the second inning of the spring training game at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Max Moroff (62) tags out Atlanta Braves outfielder Micah Johnson (2) on a steal attempt in the second inning of the spring training game at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates made a pair of roster moves on Monday evening

Rejoice, Pirate fans, Phil Gosselin is gone! Well, he’s been sent to Triple-A Indianapolis at least. Additionally, catcher Elias Diaz has joined him.

To replace these two players on the roster, the Pirates have promoted utility players Chris Bostick and Max Moroff. Bostick can play third base, second base, and the corner outfield spots. As for Moroff, he can play third base, shortstop, and second base.

This offseason the Pirates traded for Phil Gosselin, but he has been absolutely atrocious. In 19 games, 30 plate appearances, he has just 4 hits, a wRC+ of -9, and WAR of -0.4. He also owns a 20 percent strikeout rate.

Phil Gosselin has played first base and second base for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season, however, he played both positions very poorly. He owns a -1 DRS, a -15.6 UZR/150, and just a .938 fielding percentage at second base.

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Gosselin only appeared at first base in one game this season. However, his lone appearance at first base was a miserable one. It came in the second game of the year against the Red Sox and it saw him throw a pick off throw away and helped contribute to a Boston win.

As for Diaz, he was promoted last Monday due to Francisco Cervelli‘s foot being a question mark. Now that Cervelli is completely healthy, the Pirates no longer have a need to carry 3 catchers.

In 11 plate appearances, Diaz hit a double, drew a pair of walks, and he owned a wRC+ of 97.

The addition of Max Moroff to the Pirate roster is one that excited me. He has always been a good on-base player (lifetime 13.2 percent walk rate in the minor leagues), however, he has seen a power surge this season with a .289 ISO and a .546 slugging percentage at Triple-A.

As for Chris Bostick, this is his first career trip to the Major Leagues. At Triple-A this season he owns a .175 ISO, .347 on-base percentage, .373 wOBA, and a wRC+ of 137. Hopefully, his hot start can carry over to the Major League level.

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Adam Frazier will start his rehab stint with Triple-A Indianapolis this week. He is in Indianapolis tonight and could see at-bats as soon as this evening. He should rejoin the Pirates during their road trip this week.

Whenever Frazier returns, I expect Bostick to be optioned back to Triple-A.