PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The Pirates acquired another outfielder to get a shot to make an impact this year.
After Anthony Alford and Dustin Fowler struggled and were sent to the minors, Ka'ai Tom hitting .211 as a Pirate. The team claimed outfielder Ben Gamel off waivers from the Indians.
The 28-year-old played in 11 games, mostly as a pinch-hitter, going 1 for 14 with Cleveland in 2021.
A 2010 10th round pick by the Yankees, Gamel played the last two seasons with the Brewers. Playing in 174 games with Milwaukee, Gamel hit .245 with 26 doubles, 10 HR and 43 RBI. In three years with the Mariners, Gamel hit .270 in 262 games with 43 doubles, 13 homers and 83 RBI. His best year, 2017, the Florida native hit .275 with 27 doubles, 5 triples, 11 HR and 59 RBI.
"Played in the big leagues for several years," said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington on his radio show on @93.7 The Fan. "Can play all three positions. As everyone knows, we've been beaten up a little bit in the outfield. Obviously now trying to manage through Reynolds situation (lower body injury), hopeful that will get better, but want to protect ourselves."
"A good, effective Major League player over the last several years. Really good reputation as a teammate."
Cherington hopes to have him available by Monday night. That's the hope, obviously COVID protocols play a factor.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated right-handed reliever Michael Feliz for assignment. Cherington said Feliz was out of options and they want to maintain as much depth as they can at MLB and hold onto guys with options remaining.
