Fort Goes Down, Bucs Recall Presley For Key Series Vs. Cardinals
PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) -- The Pirates have placed backup catcher Michael McKenry on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday, with a left knee sprain, the team announced a short while ago.
Although there was speculation of initial discomfort Saturday night in Miami, "The Fort" stayed in to finish one of the finest games of his Major League career, in which he went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBI in the Pirates' 7-4 win at Marlins Park.
Tony Sanchez had already been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis after right fielder Travis Snider was placed on the 15-day DL Sunday due to a toe injury, so he will back up Russell Martin as the Bucs enter a five-game series with the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park just 1.5 games out of the division lead.
Sanchez made his Major League debut during the team's inter-league road trip in late June and had two hits in as many games. He is currently batting .288 with the Indians with an .873 OPS, ten homers, 26 doubles, and 42 RBI in 76 minor-league games this year.
To fill McKenry's roster spot, the Pirates have recalled outfielder Alex Presley from Indianapolis. He will bat seventh tonight, with the first pitch coming at 7:05 on SportsRadio 93.7 The Fan.
The 27-year-old Pirate go-between has hit .277 with a .768 OPS in 76 minor-league games this year, collecting 13 doubles, 16 stolen bases, and 26 RBI.
In 17 games with the big club in 2013, Presley has hit .293 with a matching on-base percentage and a pair of homers.
One other lineup change of note is that left fielder and typical leadoff man Starling Marte has been given the night off, and right fielder Jose Tabata will bat in his stead Monday night.
Marte had struck out 18 times in his last ten games, managing only six hits in that span.
Tune into "Pirates Preview" with Dan Zangrilli and Kevin Orie, one hour and 20 minutes before first pitch on The Fan, for the latest.
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