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

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.