NewsBucs call up Pearce from Indianapolis
Monroe is sent down to make room for touted prospectBy Cheng Sio / MLB.com
06/20/09 2:00 AM ET
DENVER -- After the Pirates' 7-3 loss on Friday night, the club made a roster move that brought back a promising prospect. The Bucs recalled Steve Pearce from Triple-A Indianapolis and designated outfielder Craig Monroe for assignment. Pearce can play first base and right field. He was hitting .277 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs at Indianapolis. "Steve Pearce has done a very good job in Triple-A," manager John Russell said. "We're looking for ways to keep our players moving in the right direction. Unfortunately for Craig, it was a spot we need to take. We're happy looking forward to Pearce getting here. He'll give us another right-handed bat. It's time we get him up." Pearce was slowed by a calf injury during Spring Training and finished with seven hits in 33 at-bats. He was sent to the Minors because he was blocked by current first baseman Adam LaRoche and at the time, a crowded outfield. Instead of keeping him as a bench player, the Pirates decided to send Pearce to the Minors to get his hitting stroke and get much-needed playing time to continue his growth. In parts of two seasons with the Pirates (2007 and '08), Pearce is a career .266 hitter with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 177 at-bats. Monroe was hitting .215 with three home runs and 16 RBIs this season with the Pirates.Cheng Sio is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
