Pirates Select Billy Cook From Indianapolis, Place Henry Davis on IL

The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected the contract of infielder/outfielder Billy Cook from Triple-A Indianapolis ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals. To make room for him on the active roster, the Pirates placed catcher Henry Davis on the 10-day injured list (retro to Sep. 5) with left hand inflammation.

Cook was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline for right-handed pitching prospect Patrick Reilly.

The Orioles drafted Cook in the 10th round of the 2021 draft out of Pepperdine University. Across four minor-league seasons, the 25-year-old carries a .251/.332/.455 batting line with 69 doubles, 12 triples, 62 home runs, 249 RBIs and 90 steals in 377 games.

The Pirates’ 24th-best prospect has taken a step forward this season offensively and continued his success with Indianapolis after he was acquired. In 30 games with the Pirates’ top affiliate, Cook slashed .276/.389/.486 with seven doubles, five home runs and 21 RBIs. He hit a grand slam against Toledo on Saturday and has driven in seven RBIs over this last two games.

Cook has experience all around the diamond, appearing in games at every infield spot other than shortstop and all three outfield positions. Since joining the Pirates, Cook has split his time between the three outfield spots and first base.

Cook is playing first base and batting seventh for the Pirates in his major-league debut on Sunday. He will wear No. 28. With the addition of Cook, the Pirates’ 40-man roster is at 39 players.

Davis last appeared in a game for the Pirates on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has played in eight games for the Pirates since being recalled from on Aug. 26. It’s been a difficult season for Davis, who is slashing just .144/.242/.212 with four doubles, one home run and five RBIs in 37 games.

Additionally, right-handed pitcher Domingo Germán cleared waivers cleared waivers and was sent outright to Indianapolis. The Pirates designated Germán for assignment on Thursday. The 32-year-old 0-1 with a 7.84 ERA in seven appearances.