The Pirates are in last place in the National League Central entering play tonight. They are seven-and-a-half games behind the first place Brewers. But as bad as last place sounds, they are just a half-game out of second. The Reds, Cubs, and Cardinals are all seven out. And the Pirates are just a half-game out of the race for the third and final Wild Card playoff spot.
Greg Brown previews tonight’s series opener in St. Louis.
As expected, pitcher Ben Heller was designated for assignment yesterday. He gave up 11 earned runs in two innings of work since being called up from Indianapolis last week, including seven runs in the 10th inning of Sunday’s loss to the Twins.
The Bucs claimed utility man Niko Goodrum off waivers from the Angels and assigned him to Indianapolis. Goodrum plays both infield and outfield and has played for the Twins, Tigers, Astros, Rays, and Angels in seven seasons in MLB. He’s batting .103 in 13 games with the Rays and Angels this season.
General Manager Ben Cherington has also signed veteran right-hander Jake Woodford to a minor league contract, according to MLB Insider Robert Murray. Woodford is a former Cardinal who was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Friday and elected to opt out of his contract after he cleared waivers.
Altoona’s Braxton Ashcraft is one step away from the majors after the Pirates promoted the fireballing right-hander to Indianapolis. Veteran pitcher Wily Peralta was released from the Indy roster.
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