The Pirates introduced that they’ve chosen the contract of infielder Davis Wendzel from Triple-A Indianapolis. Outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia is being optioned in Wendzel’s place. To clear house on the 40-man roster, reliever Chris Devenski is being transferred to the 60-day injured checklist.
Wendzel signed a minor league contract with Pittsburgh in December and was a non-roster invite to spring coaching. In 211 plate appearances at Triple-A this 12 months, he’s batting .246/.360/.491 with 9 residence runs and a 123 wRC+. That continues a run of respectable minor league hitting for Wendzel, as he’s been common or higher at Triple-A since 2024. Wendzel’s monitor document within the Majors is far thinner. He appeared in 27 video games for the Rangers in 2024, managing simply six hits in 49 plate appearances.
Wendzel usually performs third base or shortstop, although he’s unlikely to get a lot time on the sizzling nook. Nick Gonzales has a 115 wRC+ in 238 plate appearances because the Pirates’ most important third baseman. Wendzel is extra more likely to see time at shortstop, if solely a bit of. Jared Triolo is protecting for the injured Konnor Griffin in the meanwhile. Triolo has a 57 wRC+ this 12 months that’s nearly unplayable, and whereas he’s an excellent defender at second and third, he’s been value -6 Defensive Runs Saved in 588 2/3 profession innings at quick. On the identical time, Wendzel is totally unproven within the Majors, so his choice is extra about giving the Pirates a second backup infielder (Tyler Callihan being extra of a utility kind) than significantly difficult for enjoying time.
Extra to return.
