Pirates to summon outfielder Andrew Lambo from Triple-A

As announced by the team Monday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Pirates will purchase the contract of minor-league outfielder Andrew Lambo in advance of Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 25-year-old Lambo has put together a breakout season between the Double-A Altoona Curve and Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, hitting a MiLB-leading 31 homers in addition to 24 doubles and five triples in 117 games. He’s second in the minors in total bases (251) and third in total extra-base hits.

Acquired in a 2010 trade with the Dodgers, Lambo looked to stall as a prospect while spending parts of six straight seasons at the Double-A level. But the 6-foot-3 lefty swinger has apparently turned a corner, and now he’ll join the first-place Pirates for a key road series against the second-place Cardinals.

Although they were just swept in Colorado, the Pirates (70-47) carry a three-game lead over the Cardinals for the top spot in the National League Central. Pittsburgh’s pitching has been dominant all year, but the Bucs’ bats have been average-to-mediocre at times.

The addition of Lambo will require a corresponding move on both the 25- and 40-man rosters, as the California native wasn’t part of either. Considering Lambo’s corner outfield comfort zone, the most likely player to be sent down to Triple-A is Alex Presley.

Starling Marte’s injured hand (hit by pitch) could’ve also contributed to the decision to call Lambo up. Marte didn’t break any bones when he was plunked Saturday, but he merely pinch-ran in Sunday’s defeat to the Rockies. The Pirates’ corresponding roster moves will be announced later.

Lambo’s triple-slash line with Indy is .278/.350/.593 (AVG/OBP/SLG). He has played 59 games with the Indians in his second-career stint with the club.