The Pirates announced a series of roster moves Thursday, most notably placing shortstop Jordy Mercer on the 10-day disabled list due to a calf strain and selecting the contract of shortstop prospect Kevin Newman in his place. To open 40-man roster space, Pittsburgh designated right-hander Casey Sadler for assignment. The Pirates also recalled outfielder Jordan Luplow and optioned catcher Jacob Stallings to Triple-A.
Newman, 25, was the Pirates’ top selection in the 2015 draft (19th overall) and has ranked among the organization’s most highly regarded prospects since. He’s currently sixth in their system, per MLB.com, while Baseball America ranked him seventh on their own midseason update.
It’s been a solid season for Newman at the Triple-A level, hitting .302/.350/.407 with four homers, 30 doubles, two triples and a hefty 28 stolen bases — albeit in 39 attempts. Newman draws praise for his above-average hit tool and speed plus at least average ratings for his glove and arm at shortstop. With Mercer set to hit free agency at season’s end, Newman’s first taste of the Majors will serve as an audition of sorts, as he undoubtedly is consideration to be the team’s shortstop of the future.
Sadler, 28, pitched just 4 1/3 innings with the Bucs this season — his first big league action since the 2015 season. Tommy John surgery after the 2015 season slowed his career, and while he’s posted respectable numbers in Triple-A this year — 3.43 ERA, 7.1 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 in 76 innings — he’ll now be either traded or exposed to outright waivers within the week following a DFA.
Are we sure that it was Sadler who was DFA’d and not SRod?
SRod is on the DL.
SRod is negotiating a 10-year contract.
10 years or 1000 strikeouts with men on base, whichever comes first.
They are going to let SRod leave the honorable way,playing out his contract and not getting resigned.
The “disabled”list sometimes comes in handy.
They were not going to get anybody to take his contract anyway.
That’s the honorable thing to do for a legend of his caliber.
I think that he was very well liked by his teammates,and of course Hurdle loved him.He was a key member for several years in that he could play anywhere and do it well.It is a shame that he could not come back from his injury as his 2016 year was a breakout year.
He also showed an enthusiasm that is not always common.
Not eating contracts is important to the Pirates.
This is their way of thanking SRod for his past service.
Finally, took them long enough to call Newman up. I’ve been waiting and wanting to see what him and Kramer can do at the Major League level for what seems like forever.
About time that Newman finally gets his chance. Has been a very solid SS, from his time at the University of Arizona all the way to AAA ball.
Jordy’s injury is actually a semi-fortunate break for the Pirates.
The double edged sword of the team being able to stay on the periphery for a wild card spot is that the necessary at bats for Kevin Newman and (likely before too long) Kevin Kramer would be hard to come by…which would hurt their chances in 2019.
The Pirates aren’t on the periphery of anything but a postseason in the comfort of their own living rooms. They’re 5.5 games out of wild card contention with three teams ahead of them.
Unfortunately at this point I agree with waldfee.
That 45 game stretch playing .300 ball killed their year.
I think at this point they should find out about the players for next year when they will have a chance to win 88-90 games.
How’s that Archer trade working out?
Much better than the Greg Holland signing but not as well as the industrial adhesive on Yadi’s chest protector.
How well is that Dexter Fowler contract working out for you?
Judging a trade after 3 starts? Seriously?
How’s cheater Molina’s pine tar? How’s the Fowler contract? How was the Greg Holland contract?
This question from the fan of an organization
-that tells everyone in baseball they are best fan base (hint: wrong)
– that spies on a better run organization and gets caught
– that claims the best farm system in baseball (hint: wrong)
– that signs Fowler, Holland, and yet talks about a pirate acquisition 3 starts in?
– that has visible front office turmoil and dysfunction
– that has a lesser stadium and is envious. And yes. I have been to both.
-that fires their manager mid season…
The list goes on and on….
Smugness is never pretty,but especially when wearing red.
How is still paying Matheny working out?
That’s what I like to see; Pirate fans banded together against a Cardinal fan rather than being at each other’s throats!
You know…good point. Upvoted. Thank you. Always fun to see the fans of ‘gods gift to baseball’ have some drama in myoptic lives.
Hello Newman.
Hello, Jerry!
Where’s Kramer?
He should be here when rosters expand.
I think he’s with George and Elaine…
The Pirates need to seriously consider looking for a third baseman and a first baseman named Costanza and Benes,and firing Hurdle and hiring a manager named Jerry.
Now that would be entertaining!
Shame they have to lose Sadler but he was one of the pitchers on the cusp for 40 man retention.There are several others that may have to flip flop if they want to eventually add Eppler and Brubaker and of course Kramer this season.
Now that the idea of a WC slot is all but over, play the kids in the middle infield. Also want to congratulate Marte and Polanco on the two most pathetic at bats of the day against Strop last night. Why would a pitcher ever throw these guys anything but curve balls in the dirt?