Pirates Activate VanMeter, Recall Yajure; Option Mitchell, DFA Banda

The Pirates announced that they have activated infielder Josh VanMeter off the 10-day injured list and recalled right-hander Miguel Yajure from Triple-A Indianapolis. In corresponding moves, the Bucs have optioned Cal Mitchell to Triple-A Indianapolis and have DFA’d Anthony Banda.

VanMeter was placed on the IL on June 2 with a left ring finger fracture and Yajure will start Monday’s game against the Nationals.

In 35 games with the Bucs this season, VanMeter has posted a .638 OPS with a double, two triples, three homers and nine runs driven in. VanMeter was heating up at the plate prior to his injury, as he hit .333 with a .912 OPS in his last 10 games before hitting the shelf.

The 27-year-old played in five games with Triple-A Indianapolis on a rehab assignment and collected a pair of hits while drawing four base on balls.

The 24-year-old Yajure is back for his second stint with the Pirates and will look to improve on the lackluster numbers he posted in his first go around with the Bucs this season. In six appearances, Yajure has owned an 11.32 ERA/5.93 FIP in 10.1 innings out of the bullpen. This will be his first start at the Major League level this season.

Since coming off the injured list, Yajure has had a pretty solid showing over his four appearances. In that span, Yajure has posted a 3.60 ERA (10ip/4er) with six strikeouts with Triple-A Indianapolis.

Mitchell has certainly shown potential but will head back to Indianapolis to get some more consistent playing time. Mitchell has posted a .193 batting average with a .553 OPS with five doubles and two homers in 26 games with Pittsburgh.

The 2022 season has been a struggle for Banda, who carries a 6.41 ERA though a much more impressive 3.79 FIP. June has been particularly rough for the left-hander as he has an 8.38 ERA across 10 appearances on the month. He now hits DFA limbo.