After being designated for assignment this winter, Will Craig is getting another crack at the majors.
The Pirates selected his contract before Thursday’s game against the Giants. To make room on the roster, reliever Sean Poppen has been designated for assignment.
While a lineup is not out yet, Derek Shelton said Craig will be at first base.
“He's been swinging the bat well, and right now we're in a situation where we can use a guy who’s swinging the bat well,” Shelton said before the game.
The Pirates’ first base depth has taken some serious hits this week. Colin Moran suffered a left groin injury last weekend and was placed on the injured list Sunday. On Thursday, Phillip Evans joined him on the IL with a left hamstring injury.
So that gives Craig another opportunity at first, though Shelton said he could also play in the outfield or back third base. On Wednesday, he played that position for the first time since 2016 in the late innings of the Class AAA Indians’ win.
For Craig to stick, he is going to have to hit. He’s gone deep three times in his last two games played, and while he hit 23 homers with the Indians in 2019, his .435 slugging percentage was below league average.
Craig made his major league debut last season, going 0-for-4 across two games.
Concerns at the plate led the Pirates to designate him for assignment this offseason, though they were able to retain him after he cleared waivers. It has been his main focus to get another chance at the majors.
“I feel like my defense speaks for itself, But in the box, they wanted me to work on a couple things and be more of an all-around player,” Craig said during the Indians’ media day last week. “That was one thing I really worked on in spring training. I feel like toward the end I started reaching a really good point in the field and getting ready for the game. Going into the alt site, I feel like I did the same thing. I feel like I didn’t really miss a beat.”
MORE PREGAME NOTES
• Speaking of Indians players who are in Pittsburgh currently, Miguel Yajure was seen working out at PNC Park before the game. No word on why, exactly.
The right-hander made his first start with the Pirates on April 21 at Detroit.
• Evans' injury will be assessed day-to-day until the Pirates get a feel for its severity.
Chad Kuhl threw a two inning sim game before Thursday's game. His path forward will be determined by how he feels Friday in response to the outing.
• Shelton now has a second lefty to work with in the bullpen after the club selected Chasen Shreve's contract Wednesday.
"I'm here to give Sam [Howard] some time off," Shreve said. "I feel like he's been getting crushed, and he's been doing a great job. So yeah, just kind of filling in just as another lefty."
The Pirates signed Shreve to a minor-league contract this offseason, but it looked like he had a good chance of making the opening day team. That didn't happen though, and after spending the first part of the season at the alternate site and in Indianapolis, the Pirates called him up shortly before his opt out was reached.
"I'm glad to be here. I'm glad I can come in, like last night, and just get right back into it."
