The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted shortstop Jordy Mercer to Indianapolis, according to Cory Giger of the Altoona Mirror. Mercer was hitting for a .268/.329/.487 line with Altoona, along with a career high 13 homers. His numbers were low, thanks to a .154/.233/.346 line in the month of April. He rebounded from that with a .318/.372/.486 line in 107 at-bats in the month of May, and had a strong month of June, with a .313/.363/.625 line, including six homers in 80 at-bats.
Mercer was left in Altoona this year after posting an empty .282 average last year, with a .329 OBP and a .373 SLG. His OBP was the same .329 this year, although he showed improvement with his walk ratio, with 23 walks in 301 plate appearances, compared to 31 walks in 538 plate appearances last year. With Chase d’Arnaud recently getting the call to the majors, a spot was opened up in AAA for Mercer to take over regular shortstop duties. This move obviously speaks well about d’Arnaud’s ability to stick in the majors, as I don’t think the Pirates promote Mercer unless he’s ready to receive regular playing time in AAA.
Also, Anthony Norman was promoted to Indianapolis.
