Pittsburgh Pirates: Kevin Newman Reinstated, Minor Trade Made

Kevin Newman is back from the injured list, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded for pitching depth

Kevin Newman has become the latest player to be activated off the injured list by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Prior to the start of their three-game weekend series in Milwaukee, Newman was activated off the 60-day injured list. To make room for Newman on the active roster Bligh Madris was optioned to Triple-A.

Prior to getting injured in late April Newman had 52 plate appearances with the Pirates. Newman hit for a .250/.308/.375 slash line to go with a 92 wRC+. While he had yet to hit a home run, he had four doubles and a triple.

With Newman back from the injured list it will be interesting to see how playing time in the middle infield shakes out. With Oneil Cruz now in the majors, and playing a very strong defensive shortstop, it would make sense to leave him there and play Newman at second base.

Well, general manager Ben Cherington has already stated that Newman could still see playing time at shortstop while Cruz gets reps in the outfield. Hopefully this will not be the case, as it would be a terrible decision.

After a hot start to his MLB career following his promotion, Madris had cooled off in recent weeks. In 56 PAs with the Pittsburgh Pirates the left-handed hitting Madris was hitting for a .259/.286/.407 slash line to go with a 93 wRC+.

Madris could return to the Pirate for another stint later this season. With him back at Triple-A it could benefit both Madris and the Pirates for him to get some work in at first base. Something he had started to do prior to being promoted to the majors.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have also traded for reliever Yohan Ramirez. To acquire Ramirez the Pirates have sent cash considerations to the Cleveland Guardians. Ramirez had pitched 10.1 innings pitched between the Guardians and Seattle Mariners this season. In those 10.1 innings pitched Ramirez has posted a 6.97 ERA, 7.65 FIP, he walked 7 batters and allowed 3 home runs.

After being acquired Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. To make room for Ramirez on the 40-man roster the Pirates designated left-handed reliever Aaron Fletcher for assignment. Fletcher owned a 6.94 ERA and a 6.10 FIP in 11.2 MLB innings pitched this season.