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Pirates Promote Kevin Newman, Place Jordy Mercer On DL, Designate Casey Sadler

By Steve Adams | August 16, 2018 at 2:22pm CDT

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.

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Pittsburgh Pirates Transactions Casey Sadler Jacob Stallings Jordan Luplow Jordy Mercer Kevin Newman

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30 Comments

  1. Frosted Lemonade

    7 years ago

    Are we sure that it was Sadler who was DFA’d and not SRod?

    Reply
    • leefieux

      7 years ago

      SRod is on the DL.

      Reply
      • Gwynning's Anal Lover

        7 years ago

        SRod is negotiating a 10-year contract.

        2
        Reply
        • Monkey’s Uncle

          7 years ago

          10 years or 1000 strikeouts with men on base, whichever comes first.

          1
          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          7 years ago

          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.

          Reply
        • srs0203

          7 years ago

          That’s the honorable thing to do for a legend of his caliber.

          1
          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          7 years ago

          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.

          Reply
  2. mlb1225

    7 years ago

    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.

    2
    Reply
  3. waldfee

    7 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  4. 66TheNumberOfTheBest

    7 years ago

    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.

    1
    Reply
    • waldfee

      7 years ago

      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.

      Reply
      • Mendoza Line 215

        7 years ago

        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.

        Reply
  5. zheller4

    7 years ago

    How’s that Archer trade working out?

    Reply
    • 66TheNumberOfTheBest

      7 years ago

      Much better than the Greg Holland signing but not as well as the industrial adhesive on Yadi’s chest protector.

      4
      Reply
    • mlb1225

      7 years ago

      How well is that Dexter Fowler contract working out for you?

      4
      Reply
    • geejohnny

      7 years ago

      Judging a trade after 3 starts? Seriously?

      2
      Reply
    • pinstripes17

      7 years ago

      How’s cheater Molina’s pine tar? How’s the Fowler contract? How was the Greg Holland contract?

      2
      Reply
    • 3rdStrikeLooking

      7 years ago

      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….

      3
      Reply
    • Mendoza Line 215

      7 years ago

      Smugness is never pretty,but especially when wearing red.

      Reply
    • wkkortas

      7 years ago

      How is still paying Matheny working out?

      Reply
  6. dcahen

    7 years ago

    That’s what I like to see; Pirate fans banded together against a Cardinal fan rather than being at each other’s throats!

    6
    Reply
    • 3rdStrikeLooking

      7 years ago

      You know…good point. Upvoted. Thank you. Always fun to see the fans of ‘gods gift to baseball’ have some drama in myoptic lives.

      2
      Reply
  7. Mr. E Team

    7 years ago

    Hello Newman.

    3
    Reply
    • layventsky

      7 years ago

      Hello, Jerry!

      1
      Reply
      • Mendoza Line 215

        7 years ago

        Where’s Kramer?

        Reply
        • Big Poison

          7 years ago

          He should be here when rosters expand.

          Reply
        • grizzled sports vet

          7 years ago

          I think he’s with George and Elaine…

          Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          7 years ago

          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!

          Reply
  8. Mendoza Line 215

    7 years ago

    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.

    Reply
  9. tiredolddude

    7 years ago

    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?

    Reply

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