The Pirates have claimed Canaan Smith-Njigba off waivers from the Mariners, per bulletins from each golf equipment. The outfielder was designated for project by the M’s on the weekend. The Pirates positioned right-hander JT Brubaker on the 60-day injured listing in a corresponding transfer.
Smith-Njigba, 25 in April, returns to the Pirates after a short uncoupling. He initially joined the membership within the January 2021 commerce that despatched Jameson Taillon to the Yankees and was with the Bucs for about three years earlier than being designated for project final month. He was claimed off waivers by the Mariners about two weeks in the past, which briefly had him employed in the identical metropolis as his brother, Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seahawks. However the Mariners bumped Canaan off the roster after they claimed Levi Stoudt over the weekend.
The Bucs wanted Smith-Njigba’s roster spot a few weeks in the past so as to add Aroldis Chapman. On the time, the 60-day IL had not but opened, as golf equipment can’t use it between the top of the World Sequence and the time when pitchers and catchers report back to Spring Coaching. Now that they do have entry to the 60-day IL, they have been in a position to transfer Brubaker there and match Smith-Njigba again onto the roster. Brubaker had Tommy John surgical procedure in April of final 12 months and it seems the membership isn’t anticipating him again quickly. The “60 days” don’t begin till Opening Day, so he received’t be eligible to return till late Might.
If Smith-Njigba can stick on the Pirates’ roster this time, he’s more likely to serve a depth function for the membership this 12 months. He’s hit simply .135/.250/.243 in his 44 main league plate appearances up to now however nonetheless has an choice remaining. He’s hit .279/.373/.452 in Triple-A over the previous two years, resulting in a 112 wRC+. He additionally stole 29 bases in these 157 video games whereas taking part in all three outfield slots.
The Bucs are slated to have Bryan Reynolds in left and Jack Suwinski in heart, however proper discipline is a bit bit extra open. Gamers like Joshua Palacios, Edward Olivares, Connor Joe and Ji Hwan Bae are candidates to take some outfield taking part in time however Smith-Njigba will likely be in that blend as effectively, together with non-roster gamers like Billy McKinney and Gilberto Celestino. The designated hitter spot is more likely to be taken by Andrew McCutchen on most days.