Players set to join the team
The Pittsburgh Pirates appear set to get more players back from the injured list this week. Duane Underwood Jr. and Zach Thompson were activated off the IL on Sunday. Also on Sunday, general manager Ben Cherington said he expects Yoshi Tsutsugo and Ben Gamel to re-join the team for their series against the Yankees.
Getting Tsutsugo back could be a bigger boost for the Pirate lineup than people may expect. Michael Chavis has played strong defense at first base and mashed against left-handed pitching, but he is in dire need of a platoon partner. That platoon partner could be Tsutsugo who hit the ball extremely well during his rehab assignment.
Prior to getting injured Gamel was one of the team’s best hitters. Gamel will likely take over as the team’s every day left fielder again and should help lengthen a struggling Pirate lineup. At least until the end of the month when he will likely be traded.
Sunday also saw the Pirates acquired left-handed reliever Manny Bañuelos from the Yankees. Cherington said they expect Bañuelos to join the team prior to the start of Tuesday’s game. So another roster move will have to be made there as well.