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

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.