Pirates Demote Outfielder Ahead of Cubs Game

O’Hearn has been one of Pittsburgh’s more productive hitters this season. The first baseman and outfielder is batting .270 with a .334 on-base percentage and a .454 slugging percentage, along with 17 home runs and 69 RBIs in 96 games.

His return could provide a boost to a Pirates lineup that will face a difficult matchup against Chicago. O’Hearn has also had success against the Cubs this season, including a four-RBI performance with a home run earlier in the year.

Simon, meanwhile, heads back to Indianapolis after appearing in 10 games for Pittsburgh. The 26-year-old hit .281 with a .324 on-base percentage, two RBIs and two stolen bases during his time with the Pirates.

The move comes with Pittsburgh entering the final weeks of the season at 74-73. The Pirates remain in the National League Central race mathematically, though the Cubs have a much stronger position at 81-66 and are firmly in the postseason picture.

Pittsburgh will now have O’Hearn available as it tries to make an impact against Chicago. The Pirates will also have to manage their pitching situation after placing Braxton Ashcraft on the 15-day injured list with right arm discomfort.

For now, however, the biggest development for the lineup is the return of O’Hearn and the corresponding move that sends Simon back to the minors.