Pirates Make Series Of Roster Moves During Series Vs. Tigers

The Pittsburgh Pirates activated catcher Joey Bart from the seven-day injured list before their game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.

Bart, who entered concussion protocol after he was struck May 28, returned behind the plate and batted sixth.

Bart’s activation arrives a few days after Pirates assistant general manager Steve Sanders gave a promising update on his rehab progress with Triple-A Indianapolis. The team designated catcher Brett Sullivan for assignment in a corresponding move.

Having Bart back behind the plate is a welcomed addition, especially after first baseman/catcher Endy Rodriguez was placed on the 60-day injured list with elbow inflammation. Rodriguez’s timetable for a return remains unclear. He’s scheduled to receive a platelet-rich plasma injection, and won’t resume baseball activities until the team has a better idea of his progress.

Bart, who will share catching duties with Henry Davis, returns to the Pirates lineup batting .240 with 35 hits, one home run, and 11 RBI in 146 plate appearances this season.

Sullivan hit .167 with one hit and two RBI in three games,. He previously played for the San Diego Padres before he was traded to Pittsburgh in April.

More MLB: Pirates Not Ruling Out Return This Season For Injured Catcher