Pirates Place Martín Pérez, Joey Bart on IL; Ke’Bryan Hayes Returns From Injury

The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez on the 15-day injured list with a left groin muscle strain. Joining him on the injured list is catcher Joey Bart, who was placed on the 10-day IL with an injury to his left thumb.

Both players left early during Sunday’s loss to the Braves. Pérez lasted three innings before his injury occurred while covering first base on a grounder. Bart was replaced by Yasmani Grandal to start the top of the second inning.

In his first season with the Pirates, Pérez is 1-3 with a 4.71 ERA through 11 starts, which is tied with Mitch Keller for the most on the team.

Bart was picked up from the Giants in an early-season trade and has performed well since joining the Pirates. Through 22 games, Bart has slashed .267/.362/.517 with three doubles, four home runs and 12 RBIs.

While the Pirates are losing two players to the injured list, the Pirates will be getting Ke’Bryan Hayes back from it.

Hayes has been out of action since May 11 due to back inflammation. Through 34 games to start the season, Hayes has hit .240 with a .640 OPS, seven doubles, one home run and 11 RBIs. In the field, he’s been responsible for three defensive runs saved.

T0 take Bart’s spot on the roster, the Pirates selected the contract of Grant Koch. Through six minor-league seasons, the 27-year-old has hit .203 with a .607 OPS. He was selected by the Pirates in the fifth round of the 2018 draft out of the University of Arkansas.