Pittsburgh Pirates: Injury List Related Roster Moves That Should Be Made

The Pittsburgh Pirates have five players currently on the injured list who are on rehab assignments and should return to the team this week. What roster moves should be made when they return from the IL?

It should be a busy week for the Pittsburgh Pirates when it comes to activating players off the injured list. Currently, the team has five players on the injured list that are on rehab assignments and could return to the active roster this week. They will also need to clear a roster spot for a recently acquired reliever.

When these players return the Pittsburgh Pirates will have a lot of roster decisions to make. Especially since it will put general manager Ben Cherington in the position of balancing roster spots between young players and the returning vets, while Derek Shelton will be looking to manage that as well when he fills out the lineup card every day.

With these roster moves on the horizon, what moves should the Pirates make? Today, we will delve into that discussion. As well as discussing how activating players from the IL could impact the lineup and bullpen usage.

Before going any further it should be noted that this is not a prediction of what the Pittsburgh Pirates will do. Instead, it is a take on what the Pirates should do with their upcoming roster moves.

Activate Kevin Newman, designated Josh VanMeter for assignment

This is a move that has multiple layers to it. First off, adding Kevin Newman back to the active roster adds a starting middle infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates. This will almost assuredly lead to a middle infielder being taken off the roster.

Additionally, due to being on the 60-day injured list Newman will require a 40-man roster spot being opened up upon his return. This is why utility infielder Josh VanMeter, who is out of minor league options, should be designated for assignment.

Newman has been the team’s starting shortstop since 2019. Even though that role should now 100% solely belong to Oneil Cruz, unfortunately, comments made by Ben Cherington on Sunday make it appear that when Newman returns we could see Newman at shortstop with Cruz playing some in the outfield. Puke.

Anyway, regardless if it’s shortstop or second base, Newman will likely play every day for the Pirates upon his return. At least, until a potential trade takes place. Major league teams know what kind of player Newman is at this point. A team that is in contention and needs middle infield help/depth would likely have interest in Newman. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely be motivated to move Newman. It would not be a surprise to see that happen by the end of the month.

Activate Yoshi Tsutsugo and Ben Gamel, option Hoy Park and Tucupita Marcano to the minors

All signs point toward first baseman Yoshi Tsutsugo and outfielder Ben Gamel returning from the injured list for the start of the team’s upcoming series against the Yankees. Due to this, it appears both will return on Tuesday.

To make room for them on the active roster the Pittsburgh Pirates should options utility players Hoy Park and Tucupita Marcano to the minors. Both Park and Marcano are left-handed hitters, as are Tsutsugo and Gamel. Additionally, both have struggled in the majors this season. While Marcano could have a big future with the Pirates, potentially as a starting second baseman, for now it appears unplugging in the minors for a few weeks could benefit him.

Tsutsugo could quietly be a big boost to the Pirate lineup. He hit the ball extremely well during his rehab assignment while being an on-base machine. If the Pirates are getting the Tsutsugo of last August/September, or anything close to it, he would be a tremendous platoon partner with Michael Chavis at first base.

As for Gamel, he was putting together a strong season before getting injured. Gamel owned a 111 wRC+ and a 108 OPS+. Mix in his always strong defense in the outfield and great clubhouse presence, and it appeared Gamel was on his way to being a great trade chip for the Pirates in July.

Even though it may take some at-bats away from youngsters Bligh Madris and Jack Suwinski, Gamel should play every day in left field for the next four weeks leading up to MLB’s trade deadline. By doing this and showing Gamel is healthy, the Pirates should be able to get a strong return for the veteran, free agent to be outfielder on the trade market.

Activate Jake Marisnick off the injured list, designate him for assignment

Veteran outfielder Jake Marisnick was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates after spring training ended. Early in the season Marisnick was starting against left-handed pitching and serving as a late inning defensive replacement when he did not start.

Due largely to his defensive ability, Marisnick also started to get starts against right-handed pitching. Prior to breaking his thumb, Marisnick seemed to be making a highlight play in the outfield on a near daily basis.

Marisnick was putting together a typical season for himself prior to the injury. He was playing plus defense, ranking in the 82nd percentile of baseball in sprint speed, he had accumulated a +3 Defensive Runs Saved in the outfield, and an Outs Above Average of +6.

The problem for Marisnick is a lack of offense. In 52 PAs prior to getting injured Marisnick was hitting for just a .163/.196/.204 slash line to go with a wRC+ of 12 and an OPS+ of 13. He had also struck out in 25.0% of his trips to the plate.

With the emergence of Suwinski and Madris, as well as the Pirates likely looking to get Gamel daily at-bats ahead of the trade deadline, there is no spot for Marisnick on the roster. Due to this it is in the best interest of both Marisnick and the team for him to be activated off the injured list, and then designated for assignment to give him an opportunity elsewhere.