The Pittsburgh Pirates made a few roster moves on Monday afternoon, including the return of one of many rehabbing players in Triple-A.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have several players currently on rehab assignments with their Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis. One of those players will be returning to the Big League Club today, as the Pirates announced Monday afternoon that they have reinstated infielder Josh VanMeter from the 10-day Injured list, as well as recalling right-handed pitcher Miguel Yajure.
Yajure, meanwhile, will be the starter on the bump today for the Pirates, his first start in the majors this season, having last started on September 30th of last season. To clear room on the 26-man roster, the Pirates have optioned rookie outfielder Cal Mitchell to Triple-A and DFA’d left-handed reliever Anthony Banda.
Mitchell was the obvious first choice to go out of the rookies on the club, having accumulated a -0.8 fWAR and 53 wRC+ over his first 88 plate appearances. Since returning from injured list in early May, Banda has posted a 7.63 ERA in 15.1 innings, leaving his season ERA at 6.41. This also leaves the Pittsburgh Pirates with Cam Vieaux as the only available lefty out of the bullpen.
A few other notes: Heath Hembree has cleared waivers and has been unconditionally released, Jerad Eickhoff cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A, and Max kranick has been officially moved to the 60-day IL, leaving the 40-man at 38. Jason Delay has also been added to the taxi squad.
More moves should be expected in the coming week. Surely a few more Pittsburgh Pirates players currently on rehab stints in the minor leagues will be making their way to the Big League Club soon. It would not be a surprise to see Yoshi Tsutsugo, Kevin Newman, Ben Gamel, and Duane Underwood Jr. all return within the next week.