The Pittsburgh Pirates have sent Jack Suwinski, who led the team with 26 home runs in 2023, to triple-A Indianapolis. The left-hand-hitting outfielder has been struggling all season long in 2024. He was hitting .174/.268/.297, 4 HR, 13 RBI, and 63 OPS+. In his place, the Pirates have recalled left-handed reliever Jose Hernandez. The announcement was made prior to this afternoon’s game against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park.
Pirates Send Suwinski to Triple-A Indianapolis
A roster move was expected today, but this wasn’t the one expected. It was thought Yasmani Grandal, who left Tuesday’s game with left groin soreness, might go on the injured list. Minor league catcher Grant Koch arrived last night and was placed on the taxi squad, where he remains. It’s unknown how many games Grandal will need to sit out and when, if at all, he’ll be going on the IL. It would be Grandal’s second stint on the IL after being signed in the spring.
It was also expected that the Pirates might add another pitcher after last night’s 10-inning loss in which they used six pitchers. They were already short on pitchers when they called up Ji Hwan Bae on Tuesday and sent Ryder Ryan to Indy. The need for another pitcher seemed to spell the end for underachieving Rowdy Tellez. Tellez was hitting .181/.250/.233, 1 HR, 8 RBI, and 41 OPS+ going into today’s game. He seemingly has nine lives like a cat.
Despite never hitting much for average, Suwinski is viewed by the Pirates as a key piece. The lineup needs his power and he’s considered a good outfielder. However, he’s struggled mightily of late. It’s hard for a hitter to get himself right at the major league level. The Pirates hope that Suwinksi is in Indianapolis briefly, regains his stroke quickly, and rejoins the team.
Hernandez joined the Pirates in 2023 as a Rule 5 draftee and showed promise. He was with the Pirates earlier this year and has a 1.93 ERA with a save in six games.
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