Jack Suwinski is back with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who recalled the rookie outfielder from Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday before their series at the Milwaukee Brewers.
To make room on the active roster for Suwinski, the Pirates optioned rookie Bligh Madris to Indianapolis. Infielder Kevin Padlo, who was designated for assignment, has cleared waivers and was outrighted to Indianapolis.
Suwinski, 24, slashed .198/.288/.428 with nine doubles, 14 home runs and 25 RBIs in 72 games with the Pirates after being promoted from Double-A Altoona in late April. Suwinski leads all National League rookies in home runs and is tied for sixth in extra base hits (23).
He became only the second rookie in franchise history to hit three homers in a game, including a solo shot in the ninth inning for a 4-3 walk-off win over the San Francisco Giants on June 19 at PNC Park. He also had a two-run walk-off homer off Mark Melancon to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 2-1, on June 4 at PNC Park.
Suwinski, however, was in the midst of an 0-for-29 slump over 10 games and had a 30.4% strikeout rate when he was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 15. In 31 games at Indy, he slashed .214/.285/.410 with five doubles, six homers and 18 RBIs but struck out at a 37.7% rate.
Suwinski is coming off a pair of strong performances at the plate last weekend against Rochester, when he went 2 for 3 with a two-run homer on Friday and 2 for 4 with two doubles and three RBIs on Saturday.
Madris, 26, batted .177 (20 for 123) with seven doubles, one homer and seven RBIs in 39 games for the Pirates. He got off to a good start, going 3 for 4 with a double and two RBIs in his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs on June 20 and homering in his second game but endured a 2-for-22 stretch over 11 games from Aug. 5-18.
