The Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled infielder Max Moroff and optioned Steven Brault to Indianapolis. Moroff is only hitting .229, but he leads the International League with 65 walks, and he has 27 extra-base hits, which gives him a .728 OPS. Defensively, he is capable of starting at shortstop, third base and second base.
Brian Peloza did a feature on Moroff last week, in which Indianapolis manager Dean Treanor believed Moroff was ready for the majors if the Pirates should need him. His patience at the plate has led to a high walk total, but it has also led to a low batting average and high strikeouts. Moroff will sometimes take too many pitches, to the point it hurts him. It’s something he didn’t do as often last year when he put up a .783 OPS last year in Altoona. He has stretches this season where he was able to draw walks and still be aggressive in the strike zone, but it hasn’t happened enough. He provides solid defense around the infield, and has above average speed and the ability to hit for extra bases.
Brault just made his second Major League start on Friday against the Brewers and allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks over seven innings. He gave up one run over four innings in his debut 24 days earlier.
