SAN FRANCISCO — Jacob Stallings was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis Sunday afternoon while the Pirates monitor Francisco Cervelli's progress after he was removed as a precaution in the fourth inning Saturday.
Cervelli was struck in the mask by a foul ball from Buster Posey in the first inning and remained in the game until he struck out in the fourth. The club later announced he was removed as a precaution, and Clint Hurdle told reporters afterwards Cervelli wanted to stay in the game. Although Cervelli reported to AT&T Park Sunday morning, Hurdle acknowledged Stallings could be added to the roster.
Outfielder Jordan Luplow was optioned to Indianapolis to make room for Stallings, and Kevan Graves, the club's assistant general manager, said on Neal Huntington's weekly radio show that they'll likely carry three catchers for the remainder of the season since rosters expand Sept. 1.
Cervelli has been on the seven-day concussion disabled list four times in the past 16 months, including twice this season. His problems began June 9 when he was struck in the face mask by a foul ball, and he returned to the lineup four days later, only to be placed on the disabled list June 22. He was activated July 8 and went right back on the DL July 14.
Cervelli stopped using an old-school style catcher's mask, switching to the goalie mask that is designed to protect catchers from blows to the head. He's also started two games at first base as the Pirates monitor his workload behind home plate. However, he's had bad luck with taking foul balls and swings to the mask. Posey's foul ball in the first inning Saturday night struck Cervelli square in the mask:
Stallings was batting .284 with 36 RBIs in 57 games for Triple-A Indianapolis. He went 4 for 5 with a home run and 3 RBIs, while hitting for the cycle Monday night. Kevin Newman accomplished the feat in the same game. The 28-year-old went 2 for 13 in six games with the Pirates this season.