Pittsburgh Pirates: Predicting the Next Roster Moves

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 15: Yoshi Tsutsugo #25 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on May 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 15: Yoshi Tsutsugo #25 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on May 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Apr 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman (27) runs third base with a two run triple against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman (27) runs third base with a two run triple against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Newman activated, Yu Chang designated for assignment

Kevin Newman is currently on the 60-day injured list and has been out of action since late April. Even though the Pittsburgh Pirates currently have open spots on their 40-man roster which is needed when a player returns from the 60-day IL, with Yu Chang out of options look for him to still be designated for assignment.

At this point in his career Newman is what he is. He is a poor hitter with average shortstop defense. With the Oneil Cruz Era now in full force, it’s hard to envision Newman taking back the starting shortstop job that he has had with the Pirates since 2019.

Chang has struggled mightily for both the Cleveland Guardians and Pittsburgh Pirates this season. The right-handed hitting infielder has hit for a woeful .135/.237/.212 slash line to go with a wRC+ of 37 in 59 PAs.

Newman and Chang are both right-handed hitting infielders. This is why designating Chang for assignment to make room on the roster for Newman makes sense. It would not be a surprise to see Newman get a large bulk of starts at second base when he returns, nor would it be a surprise to see the Pirates trade Newman before the July 31st trade deadline.