Pittsburgh Pirates News: Roster Moves

With rosters expanding to the 40-man roster, the Pirates made additions for the month of September following the moves last night.

After trading away Adeiny Hechavarria to the New York Yankees and David Freese to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the club had two additional spots on their 40-man.

The first player they added was the activation on reliever Nick Burdi, who has been recovering from Tommy John surgery. Burdi was selected by the Phillies in the rule v draft, and the Pirates acquired him for international slot money. He will look to produce and compete for a bullpen spot in 2019.

The other player added was 24-year-old utility man Pablo Reyes.

More from Rum Bunter

• Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect Stockwatch: Outfielder Tres Gonzalez
• Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast: Rum Bunter Radio Talks Winter Meetings Fallout
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Potential Leadoff Hitters in 2023
• Pittsburgh Pirates: The Rotation is not being Improved
• Pittsburgh Pirates Make Vince Velasquez Signing Official

Reyes has spent time at second, third, leftfield, and centerfield this year in the minors. Between his time in Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, he swiped 16 bags and demonstrated some speed to his game. In Triple-A, Reyes hit .289/.341/.435 with eight home runs.

Of players already on the 40-man, the following were recalled: catcher Jacob Stallings, infielder Jose Osuna, and relief pitcher Dovydas Neverauskas. Stallings has spent time up and down over the years filling in for when Francisco Cervelli, Chris Stewart, or Elias Diaz were hurt. Stallings has hit .285/.335/.414 this year in Triple-A and he has a career 45 plate appearances at the Major League level.

Osuna might get a look at third base more with Freese gone. Osuna has hit .321/.378/.497 with nine home runs in Triple-A this year. Over all at the major league level Osuna has hit .223/.254/.406 with four home runs in 291 plate appearances. Neverauskas has a 10.47 ERA in 15 games with the Pirates this year and a 2.91 ERA in 34 games with Indianapolis. The key for him going forward will be to develop some swing and miss and get some strikeouts.

Of players not called, Kevin Kramer is the most surprising. For Indianapolis Kramer has hit .310/.364/.491 and should be competing for the starting second base spot next season. When the Indians season ends, Kramer will likely get the call up, as of now he’ll still be playing everyday.