The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. The move is retroactive to May 1 and adds clarity to Liover Peguero’s recall the day before. The Pirates, who were down to 12 pitchers after Friday’s roster moves, also selected the contract of pitcher Tanner Rainey. To make room for Rainey on the 26-man roster, pitcher Justin Lawrence was transferred from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL.
We have selected the contract of RHP Tanner Rainey to the 26-man roster and placed INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the 10-day injured list (retro to May 1).
RHP Justin Lawrence has been transferred from the 15- to 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 3, 2025
Pirates Place Isiah Kiner-Falefa on IL
The severity of Kiner-Falefa’s injury is unknown. He’d been out with lower back discomfort, but Pirates broadcaster Joe Block reported that it’s a hamstring strain keeping him out now. The last thing the Pirates, who sit in last place in the National League Central Division with a disappointing 12-21 record entering Saturday’s rain-delayed game against the San Diego Padres, needed was more injury news, let alone to one of their better performers. “IKF” is hitting .280/.333/.330 from the ninth spot of the batting order. His absence will further cripple an offense that’s registered a .224 team batting average. He’s been valuable in the field as well, responsible for three Defensive Runs Saved in 29 games at shortstop. The versatile infielder, a 2024 trade deadline acquisition, also started a game at third base. Gold Glover Jared Triolo has been playing shortstop in Kiner-Falefa’s place.
Pirates Select Contract of Rainey
The right-hander Rainey, 32, is a seven-year major league veteran who previously pitched for the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals. In 198 career games, all in relief, he’s 5-10 with a 5.23 ERA, 15 saves, and a 1.484 WHIP. The Pirates signed him as a minor league free agent last December. Rainey was at his best in 2022, when he notched 12 saves with a more palatable 3.30 ERA. With Triple-A Indianapolis, he’s surrendered six earned runs in nine innings. There are better peripheral numbers, however, including a 1.222 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in those nine innings. When Dennis Santana returns from the bereavement list, a corresponding move to the pitching staff will be necessary. As the Pirates’ bullpen has been disappointing recently, Rainey has a chance to stick if he’s effective.
“Disappointing” is also an accurate word to describe this latest news about Lawrence. Away from Coors Field, he’s been a shining star out of the Pittsburgh pen. In 11 1/3 innings, he’s given up just one run and struck out 15. He joins four other Pirates pitchers on the 60-day IL.
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