Michael McKenry becomes latest Pirates player headed to DL

Many expect the Pittsburgh Pirate roster to look a little different in the next few days as the non-waiver trade deadline rapidly approaches.

However it’s starting to get a new look before then.

The Pirates announced on Monday that backup catcher Michael McKenry has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, just one day after doing the same to right fielder Travis Snider.

The Bucs haven’t exactly announced the nature of McKenry’s knee injury, although the Tribune-Review’s Rob Biertempfel suggested it could be a meniscus problem, which means the proper course of rehab could be anywhere in the range of rest to surgery.

Apr. 10, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Michael McKenry against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The timing couldn’t be worse for The Fort and the Pirates, who currently begin a five-game series against the National League Central leading St. Louis Cardinals. McKenry, who has struggled both offensively and defensively all season is coming off a career-high four hit game Saturday night against the Miami Marlins.

The Pirates re-called rookie catcher Tony Sanchez on Sunday when they placed Snider on the disabled list with a toe injury. With a double header against the Cardinals on Tuesday, it is all but assured that Sanchez will get his first action behind the plate, likely in the second game where he will catch Brandon Crumpton, who will likely be promote to make the spot start.

The Bucs filled McKenry’s roster spot by promoting outfielder Alex Presley, who is in the lineup Monday night batting seventh playing right field.