Pirates Option Jack Suwinski to Triple-A Indianapolis

Struggling outfielder Jack Suwinski has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. To take his spot on the roster, the Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled left-handed reliever Jose Hernandez.

Through 49 games to start the season, Suwinski had the second-lowest batting average in Major League Baseball amongst qualified hitters. Suwinski’s .268 on-base percentage is the ninth-worst in the league and only six batters have a worse OPS than his .565 mark.

Last season the 25-year-old was one of the bigger threats in the Pirates’ lineup. He led the team with 26 home runs and a .793 OPS. Suwinski also checked in at second on the team in RBIs with 74 and was tied for second with a .339 OBP.

Suwinski’s struggles to start the season go beyond the plate. He’s played all three outfield spots and has combined for minus-six defensive runs saved in 47 games.

With the addition of Ji Hwan Bae, who joined the Pirates on Tuesday, the Pirates have a crowded outfield mix which made it easier to option Suwinski in hopes he is able to seek answers in the minor leagues.

The addition of Hernandez to the roster was necessary as the Pirates have been operating with a seven-man bullpen since Bae was recalled.  Over the last two games, both of which went extra-innings, the Pirates have used every reliever on their active roster.

Hernandez has already had a couple of stints with the Pirates this season and has gone 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA through six appearances. He struggled with Indianapolis and carried a 7.62 ERA at the time of his promotion, but he’s strung together four-straight scoreless appearances.

Hernandez joins Aroldis Chapman as left-handed options out of the Pirates’ bullpen.