With both their primary first baseman, Colin Moran, and backup, Erik González, on the injured list, the Pirates are bringing in someone who can add some depth to the position.
On Saturday, the club acquired John Nogowski from the Cardinals for cash considerations.
To make room on the roster, the Pirates designated right-hander Geoff Hartlieb for assignment.
Nogowski, 28, was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on June 28. He made his debut last season before earning a bench job with the Cardinals opening day. He struggled once the calendar turned to April though, going just 1-for-18 this year, being used almost exclusively as a pinch-hitter.
The right-handed hitter was on the injured list from April 23 to May 18 with a bone bruise on his left hand.
In 2019, his most recent year in the minors, Nogowski slashed .295/.413/.476 with 15 home runs and 75 RBIs for the Class AAA Memphis Redbirds.
While he has only played first base in the majors (15 innings over parts of four games), he also played some corner outfield in the minors.
Moran was placed on the injured list Thursday after imaging showed that he fractured the pisiform bone in his left hand. He suffered that injury Monday against the Rockies after being hit in the hand with a pitch.
Hartlieb, 27, had a 6.97 career ERA over parts of three Major League seasons. He allowed four runs and five walks over 4 ⅔ innings with the Pirates this year.
The sinkerballer appeared to be breaking out as a potential fireman reliever last year, but control problems popped up again towards the end of the season.
Additionally, the Pirates placed outfielder Ka’ai Tom on the 10-day injured list with a low back strain. Right-hander Kyle Keller was recalled from Indianapolis to take his spot.
