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Pirates activate Stewart from DL, option Sanchez

PITTSBURGH -- Pirates catcher Chris Stewart, who underwent right knee surgery on March 19, has been recalled from his rehab assignment and reinstated from the 15-day disabled list. To make room on the active roster, catcher Tony Sanchez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

"It's been a long time coming, so it's good to be back up here with the guys," Stewart said. "Obviously, I didn't get traded over here to rehab down in the Minor Leagues. It's good to be back and try and help this team win some ballgames and make the playoffs."

Stewart went 3-for-4 on Thursday night with Indianapolis and went 6-for-15 (.400) with a double and a walk in four rehab games with the Indians. Stewart also went 2-for-7 with a walk and a run scored in three rehab games with Class A Advanced Bradenton.

"I don't know what happened, I was unconscious down there," Stewart stated. "I don't know if Dr. Andrews put some hits in my knee when he gave me surgery, but it's just nice to get out there on the field and know that I'm healthy and I can contribute now."

Sanchez hit safely in all six of his games with the Pirates, going 6-for-18 (.333) with a double and four RBIs.

"Sanchez was in here today and we spoke at length," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "I thanked him for his service here, his willingness to work and still play. [He has] to continue to work on what he's got to do to meet the demands of the games up here, whether it be game scheming, throwing, blocking. Now he needs to play. There's a bat there that needs to get reps, there's a throwing arm and a defensive skill set that need reps as well. He's looking forward to going down and getting engaged in an environment where he's going to have an opportunity to play."

George Von Benko is a contributor to MLB.com.
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