Pirates add Triple-A's hottest bat in IF/OF Nick Solak, option Ji Hwan Bae to Indianapolis
The Pittsburgh Pirates promoted one of their hottest hitters in the minor leagues Friday, selecting the contract of infielder/outfielder Nick Solak from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Solak led all Triple-A hitters in batting (.393), ranked fourth in on-base percentage (.452) and OPS (1.077) and fifth in slugging (.625). The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder batted .390 (16 for 41) with a 1.089 OPS in 12 games at Indianapolis this month.
The 30-year-old batted .252/.327/.372 in 253 games over four seasons with the Texas Rangers from 2019-22. He has played primarily at second base but also has started in left field, center field and third base in the majors. Solak also played right field and first base at Indianapolis.
To make room for Solak on the active roster, the Pirates optioned outfielder Ji Hwan Bae to Indianapolis. To clear space on the 40-man roster, infielder/outfielder Michael Helman was designated for assignment. Helman was claimed off waivers earlier this week.
The Pirates also announced second baseman Nick Gonzales will begin his rehabilitation assignment Friday night at Indianapolis.
Kevin Gorman is a TribLive reporter covering the Pirates. A Baldwin native and Penn State graduate, he joined the Trib in 1999 and has covered high school sports, Pitt football and basketball and was a sports columnist for 10 years. He can be reached at kgorman@triblive.com.
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