Pirates Option Jack Suwinski to Triple-A, Activate Bryan Reynolds; Bailey Falter Returns From IL

The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned outfielder Jack Suwinski to Triple-A Indianapolis. It clears a roster spot for outfielder Bryan Reynolds, who has been activated from the Bereavement List.

The 2024 season has been a major disappointment for Suwinski, who turns 26 years old on Monday. In 88 games on the season, Suwinski carried a dreadful .188/.264/.324 batting line with only 17 extra-base hits including nine home runs.

In Sunday’s comeback win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Suwinski went 0 for 2 and struck out in both of his plate appearances before he was pinch hit for late in the game. Over his last 12 games, Suwinski has hit .154 with a .459 OPS.

Among players with 250 or more plate appearances, Suwinski has the third-lowest batting average. He also ranks in the bottom 10 in slugging percentage and has accumulated the third-worst fWAR in baseball (-1.0).

Suwinski’s struggles this season come after the left-handed hitter served as an anchor in the middle of the lineup a year ago. In 2023, Suwinski led the Pirates with a .793 OPS, 26 homers and was second in RBIs with 74. Despite hitting a lowly .224, he posted a respectable .339 on-base percentage, which was tied for second on the club.

The outfielder’s struggles this season are not exclusive to the plate.

Suwinski has accumulated minus-16 defensive runs saved, which is the worst mark among MLB outfielders. Additionally, Suwinski is fourth-worst with minus-seven outs above average.

Reynolds returns to the Pirates after a three-game absence. The 2024 All-Star leads the team in most offensive categories this season. In 101 games played, Reynolds has slashed .288/.353/.485 with 20 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs and 61 RBIs.

The Pirates also reinstated left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday against the Astros. Falter had been sidelined since July 7 with left triceps tendinitis.

In 17 starts this season, Falter is 4-7 with a 4.08 ERA. The left-hander had served as a stable presence in the Pirates’ starting rotation after winning the fifth spot out of spring training.

Falter made one rehab assignment with Indianapolis, where he allowed two runs and struck out three in three innings pitched.

Additional Roster Move

Left-handed pitcher Josh Fleming, who was designated for assignment on Friday, has elected free agency. Fleming made 25 appearances with the Pirates and went 1-1 with a 4.02 ERA and one save.