Walker called up, Pearce to DL, Veal to AAA DL, McCutchen activated

Some roster moves for today…

-The Pittsburgh Pirates placed Steve Pearce on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained ankle, and called up Neil Walker to take his place.  Pearce sprained his ankle trying to catch an errant throw by Delwyn Young last night.

Neal Huntington said that Walker will be used as a corner infield utility player, off the bench, and in spot starts, according to Rob Biertempfel.  I’m hoping that’s just the initial assignment.  With Andy LaRoche currently injured with a back issue, Walker could get some starts at third base (where he will start tonight).  With Pearce on the disabled list, Walker could take some time from Jeff Clement at first base once LaRoche returns.

That assignment isn’t bad right now, as long as Walker gets steady playing time.  I’d have a problem if Walker comes up only to ride the bench, although looking at his placement in the lineup tonight (playing third base, batting second) it doesn’t look like that could be the case.  Once Pearce and LaRoche return, I’d like to see Walker getting time at second base, with Pearce taking most, or all, of the time at first.

-Donald Veal was placed on the AAA disabled list with tightness in his left elbow/forearm.  That doesn’t sound good.  Daniel McCutchen was activated from the AAA disabled list, and will start tonight.  McCutchen was on the disabled list with arm fatigue.