The Pirates have claimed infielder/outfielder Michael Helman off waivers from the Cardinals, in accordance with bulletins from each golf equipment. There was no earlier indication that the Playing cards had eliminated Helman from their 40-man roster, so their depend drops to 39. The Bucs opened a 40-man spot by transferring infielder Enmanuel Valdéz to the 60-day injured checklist.
Helman, 29 this month, has a tiny quantity of huge league expertise. He acquired 10 plate appearances with the Twins final yr, gathering three hits whereas additionally putting out 3 times. He was traded to the Cardinals in February for money.
His 2025 season is out to a tough begin. In 73 Triple-A plate appearances, he has a .185/.260/.292 batting line and 50 wRC+, indicating he’s been 50% worse than league common. Maybe the Cardinals felt that these poor numbers would assist Helman sneak by waivers, in order that they quietly put him on the wire.
Nevertheless, the Bucs have swooped in and grabbed him, presumably overlooking his 2025 numbers and specializing in his different seasons. Over 2023 and 2024, Helman took 480 minor league plate appearances, hitting 21 dwelling runs and slashing .282/.356/.507 for a 121 wRC+. He nonetheless has a full slate of choices, so the Pirates can hold him within the minors and see if he bounces again. If he does, he could possibly be a flexible utility piece. He has performed each place exterior the battery in his minor league profession.
As for Valdéz, he landed on the 10-day IL a couple of days in the past as a result of left shoulder irritation. His standing is unclear however the truth that he has been shortly moved to the 60-day IL doesn’t bode effectively. He’s now ineligible to return till July.
Picture courtesy of Reinhold Matay, Imagn Pictures
