Pittsburgh Pirates recall Alex Presley, demote Phil Irwin
By Matt Shetler
As expected, Phil Irwin’s stay with the Pittsburgh Pirates lasted just one day as he was sent back to Triple-A on Monday following his major league debut on Sunday.
As Irwin goes down, a familiar face gets the call to take his place on the roster.
March 14, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Alex Presley (7) works out prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Pirates recalled outfielder Alex Presley to take Irwin’s spot on the 25-man, giving them a full bench again after going at it a man short yesterday following the demotion of Josh Harrison.
Presley got off to a very good start for Triple-A Indianapolis, hitting .357 through seven games, with two doubles, a homer and six runs scored.
However his Triple-A success hasn’t always meant success at the big-league level. Last year with the Pirates, he hit .237 in 104 games, with 10 homers, nine steals and a .683 OPS.
The addition of Presley gives the Pirates another left-handed bat off the bench, but it also signals that Brandon Inge isn’t ready to re-join the big club just yet.
After being sent down, Harrison can’t be recalled for at least 10 days and given the fact that he has a career .277 OBP in 488 career plate appearances, the Bucs are likely a stronger team if he isn’t an option on the MLB roster.
With that being said, Presley was the only other likely candidate for promotion.
The demotion of Irwin could signal one of two things: either Wandy Rodriguez will be ready to make his next scheduled start or the Pirates will go with a different option for a spot starter if one is needed.
Presley will be available to come off the bench for Monday night’s game in Pittsburgh against the St. Louis Cardinals.