Perrotto: Why Austin Hedges Remains No. 1 Catcher (+)

Friday night was a forgettable one for Austin Hedges.

The Pittsburgh Pirates catcher went hitless in two at-bats before being removed for a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning of a 5-4 loss to the Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Hedges was also called for catcher’s interference in the first inning. That error played a role in a three-run inning that gave the Brewers a lead they never relinquished as they leaped over the Pirates and into first place in the National League Central.

The latest 0-fer dropped Hedges’ batting average to .179 through 41 games this season. He committed catcher’s interference – a rather rare play – for the fourth time this season.