The Pittsburgh Pirates announced prior to Friday’s game that catcher Austin Hedges and pitcher Robert Stephenson have both been activated from the injured list. To make room on the 26-man roster, catcher Tyler Heineman has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, while pitcher Chase De Jong has been placed on the 15-day injured list.
Hedges played just three games for the Pirates before he landed on the injured list due to a concussion. He went on the 7-day IL on April 4th, so he ended up missing just over the minimum amount of time. He went 0-for-7 with a walk before the injury.
Heineman went 1-for-9 with a walk in three games while covering for Hedges over the last ten days.
Stephenson got a delayed start to Spring Training due to dealing with right elbow inflammation. He made four rehab appearances for Indianapolis, which did not go well overall. In 3.1 innings, he allowed three runs on five hits and five walk, striking out six batters. He had a 3.38 ERA over 13 appearances with the Pirates last year.
De Jong has struggled in his three appearances this season, allowing six runs over 6.1 innings. He has given up seven hits and three walks, while picking up four strikeouts. They did not announce the injury, but the move has been made retroactive to yesterday.
