Pirates notebook: Roster moves affect starting lineup, as OF Jack Suwinski makes MLB debut
Share this post:
Hours before the start of a six-game homestand, the Pittsburgh Pirates required a roster shakeup that affected their starting lineup.
The Pirates placed All-Star center fielder Bryan Reynolds and infielder/outfielder Cole Tucker on the covid-19 injured list while awaiting test results and recalled infielder/outfielder Tucupita Marcano and outfielder Jack Suwinski from Double-A Altoona. The 23-year-old Suwinski was in the starting lineup at right field for Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park, making it his major-league debut.
The Pirates also placed left-handed reliever Anthony Banda on the 10-day injured list with a non-covid illness and recalled lefty Sam Howard from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton said a virus has been going through the clubhouse, noting starting pitcher JT Brubaker was dealing with symptoms days before Sunday’s start at the Chicago Cubs.
Welcome to the show
Marcano and Suwinski were last-minute arrivals who stepped onto the field at PNC Park as the Pirates were conducting batting practice and were greeted with congratulatory handshakes.
Their late additions gives Pirates fans their first glimpse of the players acquired, along with pitcher Michell Miliano, from the San Diego Padres last July in the Adam Frazier trade.
An extra arm
The Pirates welcomed the news Tuesday that MLB and the players association agreed to extend the window when teams could carry 14 pitchers on their active rosters until May 30.
Rosters were expanded to 28 players until May 2, when they are to be reduced to 26. As teams monitor player health following a shortened spring training, an extra pitcher will be allowed.
The Pirates have taken advantage of the extra pitchers to bolster their bullpen, using converted starters Roansy Contreras, Wil Crowe, Dillon Peters and Miguel Yajure in long relief roles.
Contreras was optioned to Indianapolis last week to stretch out as a starter.
Just visiting
Pirates outfielder Greg Allen, who is on the 60-day IL with a left hamstring strain, is spending the week at PNC Park so he can be around his teammates and the medical staff.
Allen was all smiles inside the home clubhouse, given that he’s been watching the Pirates play from his Florida hotel while recovering from his injury.
Allen, who isn’t eligible to return until June 6, is starting the running progression of his rehabilitation. After being claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees last fall, he’s excited to familiarize himself with the outfield at PNC Park.
“Not ideal timing with it, obviously, but such is life. A lot of things happen that you can’t control,” Allen said of his injury. “I’m doing the best I can to try to get healthy, get back and get things going. To be able to be here in person and be around the guys, I’m looking forward to doing that. I’m happy to be part of it.”