Pirates Add Much-Needed Depth By Calling Up Former Yankees Outfielder

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been going through a rough patch lately although they finally won a series against the Seattle Mariners after a losing streak.

Pittsburgh has had to deal with multiple injuries to starting players recently. First, Andrew McCutchen was placed on the 10-day injured list with left knee inflammation. McCutchen was in his hottest stretch of the season before the injury. Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes also got placed on the injured list with lower back inflammation.

Due to the recent injuries, the Pirates called up former New York Yankees outfielder Billy McKinney according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s Noah Hiles.

“As reported Sunday by the Post-Gazette, the Pirates selected the contract of outfielder Billy McKinney from Triple-A Indianapolis,” Hiles said. “The Pirates acquired McKinney from the Yankees in December for cash. A 29-year-old with six years of MLB experience, he has not played a game in the big leagues this season.”

“McKinney last played in the show in 2023, appearing in 48 games for the Yankees, where he hit .227 with six home runs and 14 RBIs. He has played in 40 games this season for Triple-A Indianapolis, batting .295 with five home runs, 18 RBIs and a .846 OPS. McKinney will fill the big league roster spot of third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list with low back inflammation.”

Calling up McKinney could bring consistency to the bottom of the Pirates order. The left-handed batter is very productive against right-handed pitching and can be a useful platoon player for Pittsburgh down the stretch.

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