PITTSBURGH (AP) -The Pirates optioned right-handed reliever Marty McLeary to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, a day after helping squander a six-run lead against Arizona by allowing Tony Clark’s pinch-hit grand slam.
The Pirates also optioned first baseman-outfielder Brad Eldred to Indianapolis and activated catcher Humberto Cota from the disabled list.
McLeary, used mostly as a mop-up reliever before being asked to protect a lead during Arizona’s 9-8 comeback victory Saturday, gave up four homers in 7 2-3 innings and had an 8.22 ERA.
The Pirates, who have Monday off, didn’t immediately announce who would take McLeary’s roster spot.
Eldred was hitting .119 in limited playing time. One of the Pirates’ few power-hitting prospects, Eldred unexpectedly made the opening day roster after having six home runs and 12 RBIs during spring training. Unable to get regular at-bats once the season started, he was 5-for-42 with two homers and three RBIs.
“We need him to go down there and re-groove his swing,” manager Jim Tracy said.
Cota, who becomes the third catcher on the Pirates’ roster, went on the disabled list April 23 because of a sprained left shoulder. He was 10-for-33 (.303) with three doubles and five RBIs in an 11-game rehabilitation assignment with Indianapolis.
Tracy wanted another catcher on the roster because Ryan Doumit, who began the season as Ronny Paulino’s backup, is making occasional starts in right field and at first base.
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