A flurry of roster moves Monday gave the Pittsburgh Pirates a different look for the start of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington D.C.
Right-handed pitcher Miguel Yajure was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis and will make his fourth career start — and his first since last season — when he confronts the Nationals.
Josh VanMeter, who had been on the injured list with a fractured left ring finger, will start at first base. Perhaps temporarily, VanMeter takes the place of first baseman Michael Chavis, who struck out three times Sunday to drop his batting average to .249.
The corresponding move to make room for Yajure and VanMeter cost outfielder Cal Mitchell and left-handed reliever Anthony Banda their spots on the 26-man roster. Mitchell was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, and Banda was designated for assignment.
Plus, catcher Jason Delay was added to the Pirates’ taxi squad.
VanMeter, 27, has missed the past 23 games after injuring his finger June 1. He is batting .214, with three home runs and nine RBIs in 35 games. VanMeter’s recovery gives manager Derek Shelton some options because he has played second base, first base and right field while serving as an emergency catcher and pitcher in separate games. He was 2 for 18 in a five-game rehab assignment in Indianapolis.
Yajure, 24, reached the majors on the Pirates’ Opening Day roster but was optioned to Indianapolis on May 2. In six relief appearances, he is 1-0 with an 11.32 ERA and four strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings. With the Indians, he is 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA and 12 strikeouts. His three previous major-league starts occurred with the Pirates last season.
Mitchell, 23, has appeared in 26 games for the Pirates, recording a .193 batting average.
Banda, 28, compiled a 6.41 ERA in 23 games for the Pirates this season. He allowed three hits and one walk in the crucial seventh inning Sunday.
Delay, 27, played his first game in the majors June 14 at St. Louis, going hitless in two at-bats. He is hitting .220 in Indianapolis.
