PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a number of changes to their roster before the first game of their away series against the Texas Rangers, including placing their third baseman on the injured list.
The Pirates announced on Twitter that they have placed Ke’Bryan Hayes on the 10-day injured list with back inflammation. The news came just hours after Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Hayes was dealing with disc problems and “crippling” back problems that developed during the 2022 lockout.
Hayes, who also went on the injured list in May with the same complication, has a batting average of .233/.283/.290 with four home runs and a wRC+ of 60 this season. Those difficulties came in the wake of a 2023 season in which he posted a batting average of .271/.309/.453 with a career-high 15 home runs and 61 RBIs while winning his first Gold Glove Award at the hot corner.
Jared Triolo and Isiah Kiner-Falefa have both seen significant playing time at third base this season and are considered the most likely candidates to replace Hayes, although Nick Gonzales could play a role at the position once he returns from a groin injury.
Pittsburgh also designated for assignment relief pitcher Ryder Ryan, who was last selected from Triple-A Indianapolis on Aug. 12 and posted a 5.66 ERA in 15 Major League appearances this year.
Hayes and Ryan will be replaced on the active roster by right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton and outfielder/first baseman Billy McKinney. Stratton has a 3.63 ERA and 3.24 FIP in 34 relief appearances with the Pirates this year, while McKinney, a six-year MLB veteran, will be playing for his seventh team after 40 Triple-A games this season.
In addition, the Pirates have activated Joshua Palacios from the injured list after a rehab assignment and sent him to Indianapolis. The 29-year-old outfielder has a batting average of .230/.319/.344 in 61 major league at-bats so far this year.
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