Henry Davis, Nick Gonzales Rejoin Pirates in Slew of Roster Moves

The Pittsburgh Pirates are recalling 2021 top pick Henry Davis from Triple-A Indianapolis. He takes the place of fellow catcher Joey Bart, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.

Davis has already been up with the Pirates for two different stints this season but struggled offensively. During his second stint in June, Davis was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list and optioned back to Indianapolis, where he has remained ever since.

In his 29 games in the big leagues in 2024, Davis hit just .153 with a .267 on-base percentage and a .235 slug. He only hit one home run to go along with four doubles and five RBIs.

While he’s struggled during his time in the majors, Davis has performed well at Triple-A. In 57 games, the 24-year-old has slashed .307/.401/.555 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, 43 RBIs and eight stolen bases.

With nothing left to prove at Triple-A, Davis will need to show his minor-league success can translate to the big leagues. This feels like an important showcase for the one-time top prospect during the final portion of the 2024 schedule.

The Pirates will certainly miss Bart, who is in the midst of a breakout season in his first year with the Pirates. Bart was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in early April for pitching prospect Austin Strickland.

In Sunday’s walk-off win over the Reds, Bart received medical attention after running out a ground ball in the first inning and was replaced for his next at-bat as designated hitter by Connor Joe.

Bart has played in  63 games this year while serving as the Pirates’ primary catcher and has slashed .272/.347/.497 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs. Among catchers with at least 200 plate appearances, Bart is second in baseball with a 133 wRC+.

Additional Moves

Davis isn’t the only first-round draft pick rejoining the Pirates. Nick Gonzales (left groin strain) has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list.

Prior to his injury, Gonzales played in 65 games for the Pirates after he was recalled in May. The 25-year-old hit .258 with a .680 OPS, 13 doubles, two triples, five home runs and 39 RBIs. During his rehab assignment with Indianapolis, Gonzales went 5 for 15 with a home run in four games.

Gonzales is playing second base for the Pirates on Monday against the Cubs and is batting fourth.

To make room for Gonzales on the active roster, right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford was designated for assignment. Woodford made six appearances/four starts with the Pirates and went 0-4 with a 6.95 ERA.

Woodford was expendable as right-hander Jared Jones (right lat strain) is expected to be reinstated off the injured list to start on Tuesday against the Cubs.