Pittsburgh Pirates place Cervelli on IL in a Series of Moves

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a series of moves Sunday leading up to the final game of a 3-game set with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Prior to Sunday’s game against the Dodgers, the Pittsburgh Pirates placed C Francisco Cervelli on the 7-day concussion IL, with C Jacob Stallings selected from AAA as the corresponding move. In addition to that, the Pirates designated UTL Jake Elmore for assignment and recalled 1B/3B Jose Osuna from AAA.

Cervelli becomes the 22nd Pirate to hit the IL this season, which is the most in MLB. It’s also the most for the team in a single season since at least 2006, and it’s only May 26th.

Cervelli has largely struggled in the first couple months of the season, hitting just .193 with a .526 OPS. The 11-year veteran played just two games over the last ten days, and since being traded to the Pirates back in the summer of 2014, Cervelli has hit the IL (formerly the DL) ten times, seven of which due to concussion issues.

Stallings will return to the big league club after spending most of the season over in Indianapolis. In 15 games down in AAA, Stallings his hitting .275/.361/.569 with nine doubles and two HR. In 4 games with the Pirates this year, Stallings is 3-for-11 with a run scored.

Elmore was DFA’d after going 1-for-20 in 11 games for the Buccos, playing 2B, 3B, and RF. In 31 games in AAA, Elmore hit .380/.444/.546. Osuna will make his return to the majors, having spent all season on the IL and in AAA. In 19 games with Indy, Osuna hit .268/.361/.479 with two HR, 13 RBI, and seven doubles. Osuna becomes the 41st different Pirate to be on the active roster this season, as the team has played just 49 games.

Stallings will work his way into some playing time with Elias Diaz being the only other catcher on the roster, while Osuna will figure to see some pinch-hitting opportunities as well as some time at the corner infield and corner outfield spots against left-handed pitching. Meanwhile, there’s a good chance Elmore clears waivers, which could ultimately land him back in AAA Indianapolis.