Prior to the start of their game against the Cubs on Monday, the Pirates announced that they have promoted the organizations tenth ranked prospect Jared Oliva to the major leagues. The move was made in response to an injury sustained by outfielder Jason Martin, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with an upper back strain.
Oliva was selected in the seventh round, 208th overall, by the Pirates in the 2017 draft out of the University of Arizona. The 24-year-old spent all of last season in Double-A Altoona, where he played 123 games, slashing .277/.352/.398, hitting 24 doubles, six triples and six home runs. Oliva also drove in 42 runs and stole 36 bases.
A majority of Oliva's production last year in Altoona came in the second half of the season, resulting in him being named to the 2019 Eastern League Post Season All-Star team. Oliva continued to play well after the minor league season came to an end, having a productive stint in the Arizona fall league.
In 26 games with the Peoria Javelinas, Oliva slashed .312/.413/.473 with 11 doubles, two triples, 10 RBIs and stole 11 bases. He finished the season leading the league in doubles, stolen bases and extra-base hits (13) and was named to the Rising Stars team.
Oliva will wear number 76 for the Pirates. He was called up after Monday's lineup had been posted so his first big league start will likely come later in the week.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Pirates transferred right handed pitcher Yacksel Rios to the 45-day injured list.
