The Pirates’ big-league roster will look a bit different Tuesday evening as they start a three-game series against the Dodgers at PNC Park. Upon his club’s return home from a five-game, eight-day road trip, manager Derek Shelton announced multiple roster moves Tuesday afternoon during his weekly radio show on 93.7 The Fan.
The Pirates skipper first confirmed Henry Davis has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. The Post-Gazette first reported Davis’ recall Sunday evening. He then added that Jack Suwinski and Liover Peguero have both also been recalled from Triple-A. The club would later announce an addition move, as they selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Ben Heller from Indianapolis.
As for the corresponding moves, Ji Hwan Bae was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist sprain; Michael A. Taylor was placed on the paternity list; rookie catcher Grant Koch was designated for assignment; and left-handed reliever Jose Hernandez was optioned back to Triple-A.
The top pick in the 2021 draft, Davis made the Pirates’ opening-day roster after a strong showing throughout spring training. However, the 24-year-old backstop was optioned to Triple-A on May 3 after hitting just .162 in 23 games.
“I think there are adjustments that I think the major-league game has showed him need to be made,” Shelton said of Davis on the day of his demotion. “It’s one of those things — with [Yasmani] Grandal coming off the injured list, it’s a chance for Henry to catch his breath a little bit. I think the thing that we know about Henry is that he’s probably one of the hardest workers I’ve been around at the major-league level. He’s going to go down there with a task and work on it.”
In 23 games with Indianapolis, Davis posted much better numbers at the plate, hitting .296 with seven home runs, 17 RBIs and a 1.078 OPS. He believes that success came from simplifying his approach.
“Obviously, there was a difference in results,” Davis said Tuesday. “Focusing on what I’m good at and not really worrying about my swing or all the little things that can complicate the process. Just going out, looking for something that I want over the heart of the plate and being on time.”
Davis will start for the Pirates on Tuesday evening against the Dodgers. Joining him in the starting lineup will be Suwinski, who returns to the big leagues after being optioned to Triple-A on May 23. The 25-year-old outfielder has struggled mightily this season, hitting .174 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in 49 games.
"Jack is really important to us,” Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said the day after Suwinski’s demotion. “We believe in him. Clearly believe that the best version of our team in 2024 has Jack on it, doing the things that we know he's capable of doing. We tried to give that as much time as we could to get on track. We just got to a point where we decided it would be best for him to have some period of time to reset and play every day, consistently, no matter who is pitching in Triple-A. We hope the outcome is that he gets into a good spot, builds some confidence.”
Cherington went on to say that there was no timeline for Suwinski’s return. As it would turn out, Suwinski only spent 10 days in the minor leagues. In seven games with the Indians, Suwinski hit .250 (7 for 28) with a home run and a pair of RBIs. He struck out in 13 of his 28 at-bats and drew just one walk.
“I mean, I’ve seen crazier things,” Suwinski said when asked about his quick return to the show. “I really didn’t put my own timeline on it because I didn’t feel like it was necessary. But for an opportunity like this where [Taylor is] out and they need someone, I’m grateful and ready to go.”
While Davis and Suwinski both return to the majors, this marks first trip to the big leagues in 2024 for both Peguero and Heller.
A 23-year-old infielder, Peguero made his MLB debut in 2022, appearing in just one game. He then played in 51 games for the Pirates last season, hitting .237 with seven home runs, 26 RBIs and a .654 OPS. After failing to make the club out of spring training, Peguero delivered solid production in Triple-A, hitting .272 with a pair of home runs, 34 RBIs and a .728 OPS in 51 games.
Heller, meanwhile, is back in the big leagues for a sixth season. Last year, the 32-year-old righty pitched in 19 games for the Atlanta Braves, posing a 3.86 ERA in 18⅔ innings of work. Heller pitched in 15 games this season for Triple-A Indianapolis, going 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA. He struck out 34 batters in 18⅓ innings for the Indians.
Other roster move
A source confirmed to the Post-Gazette that Jason Delay was activated from the 10-day injured list on Monday. The Pirates optioned Delay to Triple-A Indianapolis, where he has been on a rehab assignment since May 27. Marco Gonzales (left forearm muscle strain) was placed on the 60-day injured list to make room for Delay on the 40-man roster.
Noah Hiles: nhiles@post-gazette.com and @_NoahHiles on X
First Published: June 4, 2024, 5:38 p.m.
Updated: June 5, 2024, 12:17 a.m.
