The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Twitter and via email to the media that they intend to call up outfielder Austin Meadows for Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres.
OFFICIAL: The Pirates announce tonight we intend to recall OF Austin Meadows (@austin_meadows) before tomorrow's game. pic.twitter.com/YfVCvggtUk
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 18, 2018
The Pirates didn’t announce the move to make room on the roster for Meadows, but the best guess would be Starling Marte to the 10-day disabled list with discomfort in his right side. Even if the injury to Marte is minor, they can make the move retroactive to yesterday and his stay on the DL could be over in eight days.
I wouldn’t expect Meadows to be up for good at this point mostly due to potential Super Two status. The safe date to avoid that is usually around June 10th, so the Pirates would be potentially paying a lot of money extra over the course of his contract just to get him in the majors three weeks sooner.
Meadows is hitting .294/.336/.397 in 32 games, 10 ten doubles, eight steals and a seven-game hit streak that is currently active. He’s been splitting his time between left field and center field, though he would likely be in center field only while replacing Marte.
Matt Gajtka reports from the Pirates’ clubhouse at PNC Park that Steven Brault was “really excited” upon hearing the news that Meadows would be getting called to the big leagues.
“I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun,” Brault said. “He’s gonna have a great time. I know he’s gonna be nervous. I remember coming up myself. I love Austin. He’s super humble, super good. He’s unbelievably talented. I can’t wait to see him come up tomorrow and just play his game. He’s gonna have a blast.”
