The Pittsburgh Pirates have activated Clint Barmes from the 15-day disabled list, and have designated Jayson Nix for assignment. They have also confirmed the moves we heard about this morning, with Gregory Polanco being optioned to Triple-A and Jose Tabata being recalled.
The swap of Barmes for Nix means the Pirates are getting a much better defender for the infield, especially at the shortstop position. This also ends the Jayson Nix/Michael Martinez/Brent Morel era with the Pirates, although all three could return in about a week when rosters expand. Even if that happens, they won’t be playing in the same roles they had when Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, Jordy Mercer, and Barmes were all injured this month. The return of Barmes also means that Josh Harrison won’t be needed as a backup shortstop if Mercer goes down again or needs a day off.
