Ryan Doumit Rejoins Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates received a boost of sorts yesterday when catcher Ryan Doumit rejoined the club.  While Doumit didn’t start last night’s game against the Cubs, he pinch hit and is expected to be back in the lineup Thursday.

"“It’s good to be back,” Doumit said. “It’s been a long road. It’s been pretty special, what these guys have been doing up here the last couple months, and I know I’m excited to be back and be a part of it.”"

Doumit had been out since the end of May with a fractured left ankle.  He sustained the injury during a collision at home plate when Carlos Pena slid feet first into Doumit’s legs.

On the year, Doumit has hit at a clip of .266/.330/.436 with 4 home runs and 15 RBI’s in 35 games.

The Pirates are hoping Doumit can add some much needed offense to a catcher position that’s lacked production at the plate all year long.  In 2011, Pittsburgh backstops have totaled a measly line of .249/.313/.358.

Though he is clearly the team’s best offensive option behind the plate, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Doumit will still be splitting time with catcher Michael McKenry.  Though McKenry has only posted an OPS of .638 this season, he is superior to Doumit defensively and has done a great job handling the Pirates pitching staff.

To make room for Doumit on their roster, the Pirate sent catcher Eric Fryer back to Triple-A.

Pittsburgh has been on a slide of late, starting with their sweep at the hands of the MLB best Philadelphia Phillies this weekend.  After last night’s 1-0 defeat versus Chicago, the Pirates have lost 6 straight and 11 of their last 14.  The slide has sent Pittsburgh back to third place in the NL Central, a game under .500.

For more on the Pirates, be sure to check out Rum Bunter.