Following Sunday’s game, the Pittsburgh Pirates placed Joey Bart on the injured list and recalled Henry Davis from Triple-A Indianapolis. Bart, the Pirates’ starting catcher, had what was described as “left thigh discomfort” while running to first base when his RBI groundout scored a run in Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. The changes, which have not yet been officially announced by the team, were reported by Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Sources: Catcher and former No. 1 pick Henry Davis is recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis
Joey Bart (left thigh) is placed on the injured list
– Andrew Destin (@AndrewDestin1) 25 August 2024
Pirates place Bart on injured list and call up former No. 1 draft pick Davis
Since being signed by the San Francisco Giants in April, Bart has a batting average of .272/.347/.497, 12 HR, and 39 RBI in 63 games. He has been one of the best hitters in baseball as of late. Since July 30, he has a batting average of .321/.375/.580, 6 HR, and 17 RBI.
It’s unfortunate for the Pirates, who are desperately trying to stay in the race for the National League wild card. Andrew McCutchen was placed on the injured list eight days ago with inflammation in his right knee. Ke’Bryan Hayes was placed on the injured list five days ago with back problems. Another injury, especially to a productive hitter, was the last thing the Pirates needed. It further weakened an already weak lineup.
It must be frustrating to see Bart, who revived his career with the Pirates, land on the injured list. The 27-year-old catcher was the Giants’ No. 1 draft pick in 2018 (No. 2 overall). He was promoted to the major leagues in 2020 when Giants starting catcher Buster Posey opted out of the pandemic-shortened season. Bart only posted a slash average of .233/.288/.320 that season. The only season the Giants allowed Bart to play an extended period of time was 2022, when he hit .215/.296/.364, albeit with 11 home runs in 97 games. When he became available in April, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington wisely jumped at the chance to get him.
How Davis fits
Davis has had ups and downs with the Pirates all year, but now that Bart is on the injured list, he’s getting another chance. The hitting potential that prompted the Pirates to select Davis with the No. 1 overall pick in 2021 has yet to show up in the majors. He posted a measly .153/.267/.235 batting average, 1 HR, 5 RBI, and 44 OPS+ as a Pirate in 2024. However, in 57 games with Indianapolis, he posted a .307/.401/.555 batting average, 13 HR, and 43 RBI.
Getting Davis up to speed with the hitting was one thing. However, his performance behind the plate also left something to be desired. It will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets at catcher. Veteran Yasmani Grandal, the Pirates’ other catcher, has been better of late. He’s only batting .208/.253/.371, 7 HR, and 23 RBI. Still, he’s hot in August, hitting .297/.366/.568 for the month. Grandal hit a big two-run walk-off homer to beat the Reds on Sunday. Bart made eight starts as a designated hitter in August (including Sunday) so manager Derek Shelton could get both bats in the lineup.
It’s doubtful Shelton would bench Grandal and let his hitting cool down, especially since the Pirates still view themselves as a contender. Davis’ best chance at playing time may be as a designated hitter. When Bart left the game on Sunday, Shelton replaced Connor Joe as the designated hitter. The sagging Joe has seen his batting average drop from .280 on June 2 to .231 today. But Shelton continues to show confidence in him. In fact, Joe was recently spotted throwing grounders at third base during pregame fielding practice, suggesting Shelton is considering other ways to get Joe in the lineup. Davis may be competing with both Grandal and Joe for playing time.
The last word
With Bart on the injured list, Grandal is expected to be the Pirates’ primary catcher. Joe will be the designated hitter against right-handed pitchers. Against left-handed pitchers, Joe will play his regular position as a right-handed platoon half at first base, allowing Davis to serve as the designated hitter. If Davis spends a lot of time behind the plate, that would be an indication that the Pirates have given up on 2024 and are considering 2025.
Photo credit: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
