Morning Rundown: Yasmani Grandal hits walk-off home run, Joey Bart to IL, Michael A. Taylor on waivers

Bust day in organization with injuries, promotions, and a walk-off home run

Aug 26, 2024

The Pirates were two outs away from settling for a series split against the Cincinnati Reds. Bryan De La Cruz was hit by the pitch, and then Yasmani Grandal hit a walk-off, two-run home run to give the home team a big four-game series win against a divisional opponent.

Cincinnati scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning, giving them the lead, but the Pirates were able to dig deep and come up with a big hit.

Luis Ortiz pitched six shutout innings, allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out five.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa picked up three hits, one a double. Joey Bart recorded his 39th RBI of the season. Unfortunately, he left the game with an injury and appears to be heading to the injured list.

Former first-overall pick Henry Davis will be recalled in his place.

The Pirates pick things up on Monday with a three-game series against another divisional rival—the Chicago Cubs. Former Pirates Jameson Taillon is scheduled to start, with Mitch Keller going for the Pirates.

Along with Davis heading to Pittsburgh, there are a couple more key promotions from within the Pirates’ organization.

Termarr Johnson is being promoted to Double-A Altoona. The fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft batted .235/.371/.384 with Greensboro, with 13 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and a wRC+ of 122. He had a strikeout rate of 21.7% while walking at a 16.1% clip.

He won’t turn 21 years old until June of 2025.

Michael Kennedy and Javier Rivas were promoted to High-A Greensboro.

Kennedy, 19, has posted a 2-5 record in Bradenton with a 4.37 ERA (3.28 xFIP) with an incredible 4.9% walk rate. He’s also struck out 26.5% of the batters he’s faced.

At one point in the season, Rivas was the worst hitter in all minors in terms of wRC+. Through May, he had a 38 wRC+ (negative at one point), but since June 1, it’s been 139. He’s been able to push it right to league average.

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He has hit 32 total extra-base hits (19 2B, 3B, 12 HR) in 97 games played for Bradenton.

Michael A. Taylor was placed on outright waivers, as Robert Murray of Fansided reported. He remains with the team unless claimed by another team.

If no one claims him, the Pirates can attempt to outright him to the minors, but with his service time, Taylor can reject the assignment.

At that point, they would have to place him on release waivers. If they have to go that route, they are on the hook for the remaining of his salary.

It’s been a rough season for Taylor, who has an OPS of .540, easily the worst of his career.

Pittsburgh Pirates selected the contract of LHP Brady Feigl

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