Maggi optioned, but active for DH as 27th man

April 30th, 2023

The Pirates have optioned third baseman Drew Maggi to Double-A Altoona. However, he was made available for Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals as the 27th man on the Pirates’ roster. After not seeing action in Game 1, Maggi entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning of Game 2 and recorded his first Major League hit and RBI on a single to center field. He then added his first career extra-base hit on a double off position player Lane Thomas in the ninth.

Pittsburgh selected the contract of outfielder Miguel Andujar from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Wil Crowe was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Maggi was the focus of a fantastic feel-good story earlier this week as he made his MLB debut after playing 13 seasons and 1,154 games in the Minor Leagues. The 33-year-old struck out as a pinch-hitter in his first big league plate appearance Wednesday. He earned his first Major League start the following day, going 0-for-3 in a win over the Dodgers.

Andujar has a .284/.364/.500 slash line this season at Triple-A. He’s recorded three homers and 12 extra-base hits in 88 at-bats. Added off of waivers from the Yankees in September 2022, Andujar appeared in nine games with the Pirates last season.

Crowe has not pitched since April 17 due to right shoulder discomfort. He was placed on the 15-day IL on April 26, retroactive to April 23.