Todd Frazier designated for assignment taken at PNC Park (Pirates)

PIRATES

Todd Frazier.

Todd Frazier is making his second exit from the Pirates, this one not on his own accord. 

On Monday, the Pirates designated the struggling veteran infielder for assignment to add outfielder Ben Gamel to the roster.

"We needed a roster spot, and that’s essentially what it came down to," Derek Shelton said.

Frazier originally signed with the Pirates as a minor-league free agent during spring training, but opted out of his contract when he was told he did not make the team. A few days later he returned to the team on a similar deal to go to the alternate site. 

His contract was selected on April 22 after Ke'Bryan Hayes experienced a setback in his rehab back from a left wrist injury. Frazier went 3-for-35 with one double and 4 RBIs in his 13 games played with the Pirates.

"It’s unfortunate because Todd was great here. He was great in spring training with our group. He was great when he came back up," Shelton said before Monday night's game against the Reds. "Unfortunately, when you acquire people, sometimes you have to make difficult decisions on your roster. Today, we had to make that decision."

Frazier's release comes one day after the Pirates placed first baseman Colin Moran on the 10-day injured list with a left groin injury. Shelton hinted before Sunday's game that utility players Phil Evans and Erik Gonzalez could both receive playing time at first. Rookie Hunter Owen also has minor-league experience at first.

"It definitely plays into it. Like we’ve talked about, versatility is important," Shelton said, explaining that Gamel can play centerfield and provide a backup to Bryan Reynolds that's more favorable than Wilmer Difo, who has started the past two games at the position. "There was a possibility we would’ve had to run Gonzo out there, so putting him in a position that’s not natural to him. And they did a nice job. We’ll continue at times to get them out there. But I think the protection behind Bryan was important for us.”

Hayes was transferred to the 60-day injured list Sunday, but that wasn't because of another setback but rather the Pirates believing it would take that long for his rehab to be complete.

Gamel will be active for tonight's game against the Reds. The Pirates claimed him off waivers from the Indians on Sunday. Shelton said he expects to use Gamel at all three outfield positions.

"What I like about him is this guy’s a gamer. He gets after it," Shelton said. "That’s the one thing that really stands out to me, is the way he plays. A lot of energy and looking forward to adding him into our mix."

Gamel started the year just 1-for-14 at the plate, but is a career .259 hitter over his six-year career to go along with 23 home runs, 126 RBIs and a 94 OPS+. He's made stops with the Yankees, Mariners and Brewers as well.

The Pirates' roster is now at 39 players, though that final open spot will likely go back to Gregory Polanco, who is expected to return from the injured list soon.

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