Overview
- Ryan O'Hearn was activated from the 10-day injured list and joined the Pirates at Wrigley Field, with the club listing him as available off the bench after a short Triple-A rehab.
- To open a roster spot the Pirates optioned outfielder Ronny Simón to Triple-A Indianapolis before Friday's game.
- Manager Don Kelly said the team will ease O'Hearn back in and keep him out of the outfield, using him mainly at first base and as the designated hitter to reduce strain on his quads.
- O'Hearn, in the first year of a two-year deal, entered the activation batting around .270 with 17 home runs and 69 RBIs and went 1-for-3 with a double during his rehab stint at Indianapolis.
- His return adds a proven middle-of-the-order bat and veteran presence as Pittsburgh continues a late-season push with slim Wild Card hopes and O'Hearn plans to reassess his offseason preparation to prevent future quad problems.