The Pirates promoted Triple-A infielder Davis Wendzel to the 40-man roster and transferred right-hander Chris Devenski to the 60-day injured list to clear space. Outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move.
Wendzel signed a minor league deal with Pittsburgh in December and was a non-roster invite to spring training. The 25-year-old has been a consistent performer at Triple-A this season, hitting .246/.360/.491 with nine home runs and a 123 wRC+ in 211 plate appearances. Wendzel has played primarily at third base and shortstop but is expected to serve as a backup at the moment.
Wendzel's Major League experience is limited to 27 games with the Rangers in 2024, where he went 6-for-49. He is unlikely to unseat Nick Gonzales at third base, who has a 115 wRC+ in 238 plate appearances for the Pirates. Wendzel could see occasional time at shortstop, where Jared Triolo has struggled, posting a 57 wRC+ and -6 Defensive Runs Saved in 588 2/3 career innings at the position.
Chris Devenski was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 7 after serving a two-game suspension for intentionally throwing at Reds’ outfielder Sal Stewart. His injury remained undisclosed at the time of placement and is still undisclosed now. Devenski’s move to the 60-day IL is backdated to May 7 and will keep him sidelined until at least early July.
Jhostynxon Garcia, 23, was recalled on May 19 but hit just .200/.243/.229 in 37 plate appearances across 13 games. The former Top-100 prospect ranks No. 4 on Pittsburgh’s Top-30 prospects list. Garcia missed time in the minors with a back injury in mid-April but will get regular at-bats at Triple-A moving forward.
The Pirates now have two backup infielders on the 25-man roster with Wendzel and Tyler Callihan. Wendzel’s promotion is more about depth than competition for playing time. The team is expected to continue evaluating options at the shortstop and second base positions as the season progresses.
The Pirates will host the Reds for a three-game series starting on Friday. Wendzel is eligible to play and could see action if the team needs a defensive switch or additional bat.
The Chicago Cubs remain in the playoff race with a 47.0% chance to make the postseason according to FanGraphs, but the team's recent struggles on the mound have raised questions about their approach at the August 3 trade deadline.
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