Pirates Roster Moves: Kiner-Falefa Lands on IL; Bullpen Reinforcement Added

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the 10-day injured list (retro to May 1) with a right hamstring strain.

Kiner-Falefa ranks second on the team with a .280 batting average and has a .663 OPS. In 30 games, he’s hit three doubles and one triple with seven RBIs and six steals.

Kiner-Falefa has played 29 games at shortstop for the Pirates this season, where he’s accumulated a .965 fielding percentage and three defensive runs saved.

Jared Triolo has filled in for Kiner-Falefa at shortstop the past two games and the team recalled infielder Liover Peguero from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday to add further depth to the position.

To take the place of Kiner-Falefa on the active roster, the Pirates selected the contract of right-handed relief pitcher Tanner Rainey from Indianapolis.

Rainey, who signed with the Pirates as a minor-league free agent in the offseason, made nine appearances out of the bullpen with Indianapolis. In 9.0 innings, he allowed six runs on seven hits with four walks and 12 strikeouts. He also recorded one save.

The Pirates operated a man short in the bullpen on Friday night against the San Diego Padres after placing Dennis Santana on the bereavement/family medical emergency list. Santana is not active for Saturday’s game.

To make room for Rainey on the 40-man roster, the Pirates transferred right-handed reliever Justin Lawrence (elbow inflammation) to the 60-day injured list. He had been placed on the 10-day injured list on Apr. 24.

Lawrence was off to a sensational start in his first season with the Pirates after he was acquired prior to the start of the season. In 11 appearances, the right-hander posted a 0.79 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 11.1 innings.