The Pittsburgh Pirates made roster moves that increased the number of position players available for their four-game series at St. Louis — which includes a doubleheader Tuesday — but leaves their bullpen short.
The Pirates recalled infielderHoy Park and outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba from Triple-A Indianapolis before Monday’s game at St. Louis.
To make room for Park and Smith-Njigba on the 26-man roster, outfielder Travis Swaggerty and left-handed pitcher Aaron Fletcher were optioned to Triple-A.
Shortly before Monday’s game, they placed right-handed reliever Duane Underwood Jr. on the covid-19 injured list and selected catcher Jason Delay from the taxi squad.
The Pirates also will recall right-hander Bryse Wilson as their 27th player for Tuesday’s split doubleheader against the Cardinals. Wilson will start the second game.
Park, 26, will be making his third stint with the Pirates this season. He started at second base in the opener and played two games each at second base, shortstop and right field before being optioned.
In 35 games with Indianapolis, Park has hit .250 with four doubles, two home runs and 13 RBIs. He has hit .310 (9 for 29) with two doubles, a home run and six RBIs in nine games this month.
Smith-Njigba, 23, will be making his major-league debut. The 6-foot, 240-pound left-handed hitter slashed .277/.387/.408 with 15 doubles, three triples, one home run and 19 RBIs in 52 games for Indianapolis, reaching base safely in 40 of his last 41 games. He can play all three outfield positions.
Park and Smith-Njigba were acquired in trades with the New York Yankees. Park and Diego Castillo came in the trade for reliever Clay Holmes last July. Smith-Njigba was acquired, along with pitchers Roansy Contreras and Miguel Yajure and infielder Maikol Escotto, in exchange for starting pitcher Jameson Taillon in January 2021.
Since being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on May 23, Wilson has gone 2-0 with a 3.32 ERA and 16 strikeouts with three walks in three starts.
