Pirates' offseason addition quietly sneaks back to Triple-A after waiver process

May 26, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Edward Olivares (38) high-fives in the dugout after scoring a run against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Edward Olivares (38) high-fives in the dugout after scoring a run against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports | Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

When the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired outfielder Edward Olivares in a trade with the Kansas City Royals this past offseason, they probably hoped it would pan out better than this. At the very least, they had to hope he would last a full season on the club's 40-man roster.

But alas, Olivares' roster spot was short-lived. With last Thursday's announcement that right-handed reliever Colin Holderman had landed on the 15-day injured list with a right wrist sprain, the Pirates selected the contract of right-hander Ben Heller from Triple-A Indianapolis. To open a spot for Heller on the 40-man roster, the club designated Olivares for assignment in a corresponding move.

After Olivares went unclaimed on waivers, the Pirates assigned outright to Triple-A Indianapolis over the weekend. He had started the season on Pittsburgh's major league roster but was optioned to Indianapolis just over a month ago after slashing .224/.291/.333 with 23 RBI and 5 home runs in 55 games.

Olivares' slash line through 15 games with Indianapolis has been ever so slightly more impressive at .250/.317/.339. He is in his final option season and will be out of options next year.

Edward Olivares could be getting pushed out of Pirates' post-trade deadline plans

Olivares was a serviceable fourth outfielder during his time on the Pirates' big league roster, but the club's deadline acquisition of  Bryan De La Cruz may have helped push him out of the picture. While both outfielders have generally similar skill sets, De La Cruz boasts more raw power and an additional year of team control. With Bryan Reynolds holding down left field and Michael A. Taylor in center, De La Cruz figures to get the bulk of the right field playing time down the stretch in Pittsburgh.

As a player with three-plus seasons of major league service who has now been outrighted, he will have the opportunity to become a free agent after this season unless he’s added back to the 40-man roster between now and then. Of course, an injury or two for the Pirates could always push Olivares right back into the mix before season's end.

More Pirates content from Rum Bunter

Schedule