Pittsburgh Pirates: Predicting the Next Roster Moves

Yoshi Tsutsugo activated, Hoy Park optioned to Triple-A

It appears there is a good chance that the next player to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates will be left-handed hitting first baseman/designated hitter Yoshi Tsutsugo. To make room for Tsutsugo on the active roster look for utility man Hoy Park to be optioned to Triple-A.

Tsutsugo has been out since May 26th with a lumbar muscle strain. Prior to suffering his injury Tsutsugo was struggling at the plate. In 135 plate appearances this season he has hit for a .177/.281/.257 slash line and a 58 wRC+.

The Pirates re-signed Tsutsugo this past offseason with the hope he would provide a power boost to their lineup. Tsutsugo has hit just 2 home runs to go with a total of 5 extra base hits this season.

However, one thing Tsutsugo has done well is draw walks. He had a strong 13.3% walk rate prior to being placed on the injured list. With the Pittsburgh Pirates in need of help at first base against right-handed pitching, Tsutsugo should return to being the team’s starting first baseman against right-handed pitching. Although, it would be more enticing to see this role go to VanMeter.

As for Park, he is hitting for a .238/.277/.405 slash line to go with a wRC+ of 87 this season. In recent weeks Park has looked much better at the plate and has been putting together strong at-bats. That said, Park and Tsutsugo are both left-handed hitters and the Pirate roster is already left-handed hitter heavy. Due to this, Yu Chang, who many fans would be calling for to be taken off the roster, likely survives until a right handed hitter returns.