Pirates Put Hayes on Injured List, Call Up McKinney

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Monday that third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to lower back inflammation. Hayes, who earned a Gold Glove award last season, has faced challenges at the plate this year, struggling with power and maintaining a batting average of .233, along with four home runs and 25 RBIs over 96 games. His current .573 OPS marks a career low, significantly lower than the .762 OPS he achieved in 2023. In response to Hayes' injury, the Pirates have called up outfielder and first baseman Billy McKinney to fill the vacant roster spot. McKinney has shown promise this season, batting .285 with five home runs and 18 RBIs across Class A Greensboro and Triple-A Indianapolis. The 27-year-old McKinney, who joined the Pirates from the New York Yankees in December, has a career batting average of .209 with 34 homers and 86 RBIs in 311 major league games with six different teams. Additionally, the Pirates have made further roster adjustments by recalling reliever Hunter Stratton from Indianapolis while designating reliever Ryder Ryan for assignment. The team also concluded the rehab assignment for outfielder Josh Palacios, who has been optioned back to Triple-A. These moves reflect the Pirates' ongoing efforts to manage their roster amid player injuries and performance challenges.