The Pirates are calling catcher Henry Davis up from Triple-A Indianapolis, MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf reviews. No corresponding transfer is but recognized, although Davis’ arrival is probably going associated to Joey Bart leaving Friday’s recreation because of decrease again discomfort.
Bart was the beginning catcher in Pittsburgh’s 5-3 loss to the Reds, however he was changed within the subject previous to the underside of the second inning. The Pirates described Bart’s standing as day-to-day, but having one other Davis available is a smart transfer even within the brief time period, so the staff wouldn’t be solely shorthanded behind the plate if backup catcher Endy Rodriguez additionally picked up an damage. Extra will probably be recognized later Saturday on Bart’s standing and whether or not or not he could be headed to the 10-day injured listing.
In any case, the scenario has led to a different big-league search for Davis, the primary total choose of the 2021 draft. Heralded for his batting means on the College of Louisville, Davis has but to point out something on the plate on the MLB stage. After hitting .213/.302/.351 in 255 plate appearances in his 2023 rookie season, Davis had solely a .144/.242/.212 slash line in 122 PA final yr. His 2024 marketing campaign was additionally marred by a pair of IL stints — one on the concussion-related injured listing, and one other because of hand irritation.
Davis’ improvement has taken just a few twists and turns, mainly as a result of Bucs’ experiment with Davis as an outfielder, because the staff appeared for tactics to suit each Davis and one other prime catching prospect in Rodriguez into the lineup on the similar time. This long-term view hit some speedy roadblocks, nonetheless, as Rodriguez missed all the 2024 season because of UCL surgical procedure, plus Bart (additionally a former prime prospect throughout his time with the Giants) additionally broke out with stable numbers final yr to assert the beginning catching job.
The Pirates have now recommitted Davis to a catching-only path, whereas Rodriguez has seen chunk of motion at first base along with serving as Bart’s backup this season. Maybe no matter how the fielding scenario may develop, Davis isn’t going to stay within the Present except he can hit, and it’s nonetheless far too early to put in writing Davis off at age 25. His minor-league numbers additionally trace on the potential, as Davis has a .316/.417/.548 slash line and 15 homers over 346 profession PA on the Triple-A stage.
