The Pirates made a few roster moves around the system on Friday, in a sort of chain reaction to the Carlos Santana trade.
Josh Palacios was called up to replace Santana in the majors. The 27-year-old outfielder has already been in the majors this year, before being sent down earlier this month. Since going down to Indianapolis, Palacios hit .360/.467/.840 with four homers in 25 at-bats. He picked up a hit as a pinch hitter in Friday night’s Pirates loss to the Phillies.
Mason Martin was promoted to Indianapolis. The first baseman was hitting .212/.374/.460 for Altoona, with 16 home runs. He had a .234/.410/.489 line in 47 at-bats during the month of July. Martin was in Triple-A last year, batting .210/.287/.410. His power has remained with a better on-base percentage this year. With first base open, Martin joins Aaron Shackelford in Triple-A to compete for a chance in Pittsburgh later this season. Malcom Nunez could join those two soon.
There were some catching moves in Altoona, where Abrahan Gutierrez and Dylan Shockley both went on the 7-day injured list. Eli Wilson was promoted from Greensboro to take their place. Wilson, the son of former big league catcher Dan Wilson, had a .230/.353/.416 line with Greensboro.
2023 DRAFT RECAP
The Pirates signed 20 of their 21 draft picks, including giving a record bonus to first overall pick, LSU right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes. I broke down the 2023 draft with my first full look at who the Pirates added to their system.
Williams: A First Look at the Pittsburgh Pirates 2023 Draft Class
QUICK PIRATES RECAP
The Pirates dropped the opener by a score of 2-1 in their three game series against the Phillies.
Philadelphia got on the board in the third inning, after a two run homer from Kyle Schwarber. Mitch Keller picked up the loss, with only those two runs allowed in 5.2 innings of work. He allowed six hits, three walks, and struck out eight.
Ryan Borucki (1.1 IP), Jose Hernandez (0.2), Yerry De Los Santos (1.0), and Carmen Mlodzinski (0.1) closed out the game without any further runs.
Phillies starter Zack Wheeler struck out 11 batters, allowing one run. The only run from the Pirates came on an RBI double from Ji-Man Choi, scoring Bryan Reynolds.
PROSPECT WATCH
Jared Jones had his best start in Triple-A, striking out seven and walking none in six innings of work. Check out his performance and all of the other Friday night results in the latest Prospect Watch.
Prospect Watch: Jared Jones Has His Best Start For Indianapolis
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