Notes: Another Bad Week; More Moves; Pirates & MLB News

Approaching the finish line:

Notes:

• The Bucs opened the week visiting the Yankees and in a solid gesture, Charlie Hayes threw out the first pitch to son Ke'Bryan. Then Pittsburgh blew a four-run, ninth-inning lead to lose, 9-8, as Wil Crowe gave up two homers and got no outs to offset big games by Bryan Reynolds and Rodolfo Castro. The NY nine took the second game, 14-2. Then it was back home to face the Cubs. The Pirates dropped that opener, chalking up an immaculate inning (nine pitches, three Ks: victims Jack Suwinski, Zack Collins, Jason Delay) and the next one before snapping their eight-game losing streak behind Johan Oviedo's arm and Suwinski's stroke. Didn't last too long; they got pummeled again on Fan Appreciation Day; the fans actually would appreciate a bullpen. 
• RHP David Bednar (back) was activated from the 15-day IL and LHP Eric Stout took his place on the 15-day IL.

Ji-hwan Bae - 2021 Bowman Platinum 

• 2B Ji-hwan Bae was called up to Pittsburgh on Friday with C Tyler Heineman placed on the seven-day concussion list. Bae hit eighth and played second that night to become the 65th different player used by Pittsburgh in 2022, breaking the team record for the most players used in a single season. The old mark was set last year. It was a good debut; he singled, walked and stole two bases.
• On Sunday, the Bucs claimed 3B/LF Miguel Andújar, who had been DFA'ed by the New York Yankees. He's also played a couple of games at first, and the Bucs may try to plug him in there.
• 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes' back is still sore; he missed Thursday - Saturday. 
• CF Bryan Reynolds set a personal best for homers in a season with 26.
• Nine games remain - three at PNC Park against the Reds and a home & home series v St. Louis.
• RHP Tyler Beede has been outrighted to Indy. He was DFA’d last week and went unclaimed.
• With Altoona's campaign concluded, the Bucs promoted RHPs Quinn Priester & Colin Selby, C Endy Rodriguez, OF Matt Gorski (who was quickly returned to the IL), 1B Malcolm Nunez and IF Aaron Shackelford to Indy. To clear roster room, RHP Eric Hanhold, C Taylor Davis, 1B/3B Kevin Padlo and IF Josh VanMeter were placed on the development list. The Indians season ends on the 28th.

Endy Rodriguez - 2021 Topps Inception Autograph

• Tampa Bay's RHP Shane Baz will undergo TJ surgery which is expected keep him out of action through the 2023 campaign.
• IF Maury Wills, banjo picker and base-swiper extraordinary, passed away on Monday. He was with the Pirates from 1967-68 and ran a jazz club (Maury Wills' Stolen Base) in downtown Pittsburgh.
• Congrats to Albert Pujols; he cranked out homer #700 on Friday. He joins Barry Bonds (762), Henry Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714) in the 700 homer club.