The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced a slew of roster moves in time for Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. As previously reported, catcher and 2021 No. 1 draft pick Henry Davis is joining the Pirates at PNC Park. Also joining the Pirates in these roster moves are outfielder Jack Suwinski, who led the team in home runs last year, infielder Liover Peguero, and pitcher Ben Heller. Utility player Ji Hwan Bae has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a sprained right wrist. Center fielder Michael A. Taylor has gone on the paternity list. Relief pitcher Jose Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, while, as expected, catcher Grant Koch was designated for assignment.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/N7d6ckgEBH
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 4, 2024
Pirates Recall Eight, Including Suwinski, in a Series of Roster Moves
The addition of Davis was reported on Monday. After scuffling to begin the major league season, Davis was hitting .296/.436/.642 with seven home runs and 17 RBI in 23 games at Indianapolis. His promotion was predictable and necessary in light of how overmatched Koch looked in eight major league plate appearances.
Suwinski hit 26 home runs last season but struggled mightily to begin the 2024 major league season. After hitting .174/.268/.297 with four HR, 13 RBI, and a 63 OPS+, he was sent to Indianapolis on May 23. It was mildly surprising at the time, as Suwinski had never been a high-average hitter for the Pirates. In just seven games at Indy, he was hitting .250/.276/.429 with one homer and two RBI. The Pirates likely wanted to see more before calling him back up. However, with Taylor and Bae being the only legitimate center fielders on the big club, Suwinski, who manned that spot regularly in 2023, was the logical choice to be called up.
Whenever the slick-fielding middle infielder Peguero gets into a game, it will be his 2024 major league debut. He was one of the last players cut in spring training after an interesting middle infielder competition that saw Jared Triolo and Alika Williams survive amongst the candidates. In 60 games with the Pirates over 2022-23, Peguero has hit .239/.284/.373 with seven HR and 26 RBI. He was hitting .272/.341/.387 at Triple-A. Like Suwinski, his promotion may be more a matter of necessity with the lack of a backup shortstop since Williams went on the IL this week.
The speedy Bae was called up on May 21 and has platooned with Taylor in center field. He’s just 5-for-24 but has treated fans to his customary spectacular catches in the outfield.
On the Mound
The surprise among these roster moves by the Pirates is Heller. Advance directly to “Go” and collect $200 if you knew he was Pirates property. Heller has pitched part of five major league seasons with the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves. In 50 major league games, all in relief, he has a 3.06 ERA and a 1.380 WHIP. However, his 5.37 FIP suggests there may have been some luck involved with that stellar ERA. At two minor league levels in 2024, he has a 4.03 ERA and an excellent 1.119 WHIP in 18 appearances. The Pirates are his sixth organization.
Hernandez, a Rule 5 selection in 2023, had a 3.38 ERA, a 1.688 WHIP, and one save in seven games. He’s hardly been the only culprit in the Pirates’ disappointing bullpen, but he’s the odd man out in this latest roster shuffle.
Photo Credit: © Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
