The Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled shortstop Cole Tucker prior to Friday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs. To make room on the active roster, right-handed pitcher Goeff Hartlieb has been optioned to Indianapolis.
Tucker has not been hitting well for the last seven weeks, posting a .638 OPS over the last 36 games. That’s during a season in which offense is up in the International League. Overall he has a .765 OPS at Indianapolis, which is 25 points below league average. His defense and speed make up for some of the lost value at the plate, but he hasn’t been getting on base enough recently to use that speed.
Tucker spent time with the Pirates earlier this season, hitting .196/.244/.321 in 120 plate appearances over 38 games. The Pirates will be without Jose Osuna, who is serving the final four games of his suspension.
Hartlieb made seven appearances during his second stint in the majors. Overall in 21 relief outings, he has an 8.65 ERA and a 1.96 WHIP, with 28 strikeouts in 26 innings.
