Pirates Roster Moves: Ji Hwan Bae Recalled in Place of Injured First Baseman

The Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled infielder/outfielder Ji Hwan Bae from Triple-A Indianapolis. He takes the place of infielder Enmanuel Valdez, who was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to May 8) with left shoulder inflammation.

Bae was on the Pirates’ Opening Day roster before he was optioned to Triple-A on on Apr. 3. He appeared in two games and went hitless with three strikeouts in four at-bats to start the season.

In 23 games with Indianapolis this season, Bae hit .258/.343/.376 with eight doubles, a home run, six RBI and six stolen bases. At the time of his promotion, Bae reached base safely in each of his last 19 games and hit .273 with 19 runs scored during that stretch.

In parts of four big-league seasons, Bae carries a .229/.294/.301 batting line with 22 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 44 RBI and 33 steals in 111 games.

Bae, who wears jersey No. 3, is not in the Pirates’ lineup for Friday’s game against the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park.

Valdez has served as the Pirates’ primary first baseman for much of the season due to several injuries on the roster.

In 31 games, the 26-year-old has slashed .209/.294/.363 with four doubles, two triples, two home runs and 12 RBI. He’s totaled 26 games at first base, six at second and one brief appearance in right field.

Valdez is one of three first base options currently on the Pirates’ injured list. Spencer Horwitz (right wrist/thumb surgery) is on a rehab assignment with Indianapolis. Endy Rodríguez (right hand laceration) remains on the 10-day IL.