Marte activated from DL, but gripping bat an issue

ST. LOUIS -- Starling Marte was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Pirates prior to Saturday night's game against the Cardinals -- but his initial availability figures to be quite limited.

Without the restriction of a 25-man roster, there was no practical reason to keep the left fielder on the DL. However, given the results of recent workouts, Marte still has difficulty gripping a bat with his bruised right hand.

Still, he could be a pinch-running weapon, and could also play as a late-game defensive replacement. Both could be assets in close games.