PITTSBURGH (AP) — Former first-round draft pick Neil Walker has been recalled by the Pittsburgh Pirates from Triple-A Indianapolis to replace first baseman Steve Pearce, who went on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right ankle.
Walker was hitting .321 with six home runs and 26 RBIs while playing first, second and third base, and the outfield.
The 24-year-old Walker was a catcher when he was drafted out of a suburban Pittsburgh high school in 2004, but was shifted to third base in 2007. He became a utilityman capable of starting at multiple positions this season.
Pearce was injured while making a throw during the Pirates’ 7-5 loss to the Reds on Monday night.
