Suwinski back to AAA again, Reynolds returns as does a pitcher

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It could be the sign of a centerfield move to come or just making room for Bryan Reynolds to come off the Bereavement List. The Pirates sent Jack Suwinski down to the minors on Monday and also activated a starting pitcher after trading Quinn Priester .

Reynolds is the Pirates leading hitter in nearly every category and he returns after missing the entire Arizona series. Before missing the last few games, the Pirates outfielder had played in every game this season.

It’s Suwinski’s second demotion of the season. He went down in late May after hitting .174 with five home runs through most of the first two months of the season. He only played in seven games in AAA hitting .250 with one triple and one home run. The 26-year-old was only recalled due to paternity leave for Michael A. Taylor and then there was hope he could find his form in the majors.

There was a glimpse or two, but nothing nearly consistent enough for a team that is still in playoff contention. He would hit .153 with three extra base hits in June. The average better in July at .240 but only five extra base hits and six RBI in 50 at bats.

That move could open the door for Reynolds to move to center, Taylor to get more action or Ji Hwan Bae to get some games there. It could mean the team is trading for an outfielder. Or it could just be that Suwinski needs work.

The left-hander had 21 doubles and 26 home runs with 74 RBI last season in 447 MLB at bats. Suwinski’s timing has been off most of the year.

More lefties

Starting the season with three lefties in the rotation, most of the season there has only been two and most of June only one. Martin Perez was the first to return healthy. Then Marco Gonzales after missing most of the year. Now Bailey Falter is back from left triceps tendonitis Monday to likely return to the rotation and now decisions for manager Derek Shelton and the front office.

In 17 starts this season, Falter is 4-7 with a 4.08 ERA working 90.1 innings with a 1.20 WHIP.