Pirates Outright Erik González to Indianapolis; Ka’ai Tom to Start Rehab Assignment

The Pirates have outrighted infielder Erik González to Triple-A Indianapolis, the team announced on Tuesday, and outfielder Ka’ai Tom will join Indianapolis for a rehab assignment.

González, 29, had been designated for assignment on Saturday just after being reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He had been out since July 2 with a right oblique strain.

In 71 games this season, González hit .232/.258/.300, a .558 OPS while playing third base, shortstop and first base.

The Pirates originally acquired González in 2018 along with two prospects for Max Moroff and Jordan Luplow. He played in 53 games for the team in an injury-plagued 2019 season. In 2020, he played 50 games at short and third.

Tom has been out since May 19 with a left wrist contusion. The Pirates claimed Tom off waivers from the Oakland A’s in April. Tom had been a Rule 5 draft pick of the A’s from the Cleveland Indians, and he must remain on the Pirates’ active roster or injured list throughout the rest of the 2021 season in order for them to retain his rights. The 27-year-old outfielder has hit .152/.308/.261 for a .569 OPS in 39 games.