Pittsburgh Pirates News: Team Makes a Roster Move

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a roster move to create a spot on the active roster for recently acquired outfielder Ka’ai Tom

Late last week the Pittsburgh Pirates made a flurry of roster moves. These roster moves included claiming outfielder Ka’ai Tom off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. However, Tom has yet to join the club.

Sunday afternoon Pirate general manager Ben Cherington told reporters that Tom would join the team when they return home to start a two-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. John Dreker of Pirates Prospects is reporting that Tom has been activated with utility man Rodolfo Castro being optioned back to the team’s alternate training site.

Tom will join the Pirate roster with an opportunity to potentially see playing time in center field. In recent days Bryan Reynolds has been playing in center field, but center field is not his best position. While the outfield most days will likely be Reynolds in center with Phillip Evans and Gregory Polanco on the corners, Tom could still get an opportunity to see some playing time. Especially if Polanco continues to struggle with consistency. If nothing else, he will serve as the fourth outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Castro made one start during his time on the active roster with the Pirates going 0-for-3. Castro is a consensus top-15 prospect in the Pirate farm system and he will likely see more time with the Major League club this season after he is able to get some more seasoning in at Triple-A Indianapolis. After all, this was the first time Castro played above the High-A level.

Prior to this move being made there was the possibility that Wil Crowe would be he odd man out. This was due to the Pittsburgh Pirates not needing a 5th starter again until May 11 due to off days. However, after allowing just 1 run in 4 innings pitched this past Sunday it appears Crowe has earned a spot in the Pirate bullpen, if not a spot in their starting rotation moving forward.