Pirates Roster Moves: Hot-Hitting Billy Cook Joins Team From Indy

The Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled outfielder Billy Cook from Triple-A Indianapolis. He takes the place of outfielder Bryan Reynolds, who was placed on the paternity list.

Cook is in his second season with the Pirates after he was acquired at last year’s trade deadline from the Baltimore Orioles for pitching prospect Patrick Reilly.

Cook made his big-league debut with the Pirates last season and appeared in 16 games at the end of the year. He hit .224 with a .673 OPS, two doubles, three home runs and eight RBI. Defensively, Cook split his time between all three outfield spots and first base and totaled six defensive runs saved.

This season with Indianapolis, Cook carries a .271/.353/.335 batting line with 11 doubles, a triple, 20 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 61 games.

It was a slow start to the season for the 26-year-old, who has turned it on in June. In 14 games this month, Cook hit .458 with a 1.078 OPS, four doubles and six RBI to go along with four stolen bases.

MLB’s paternity list calls for a minimum of a one day absence and a maximum of three, so the Pirates will get Reynolds back in short-order.

In 71 games for the Pirates this season, Reynolds has slashed .222/.295/.360 with 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 39 RBI.