The Pirates have placed outfielder Alex Presley on the 15 day disabled list with a left hand contusion.  To replace Presley, Pittsburgh recalled third baseman Pedro Alvarez.

Presley joined the Pirates at the end of June and had played well before injuring his hand during Friday’s contest against the Cardinals.  The 26 year old produced an OPS of .896 with 8 extra base hits and 9 RBI’s over 20 games this season.

Presley practically forced his way to the majors this season after putting up a line of .336/.398/.500 in Triple-A.  The Pirates called him up to replace injured outfielder Jose Tabata, and certainly has impressed the club.

Alvarez began the year as the Pirates everyday third baseman, but played poorly before hitting the DL in May with a strained quad.  When the former top pick was healthy, Pittsburgh decided to keep him in the minors to regain confidence.

It appears that he’s been able to find his stroke at Triple-A, where he’s maintained an OPS of 1.048 with 7 extra base hits and 13 RBI’s in 18 games.  A healthy and productive Alvarez would aid the Pirates as they continue to battle with the Brewers and Cardinals for first place in the NL Central.

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