Chicago White Sox (29-34) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (23-41)
Pedro Alvarez will make his highly anticipated debut tonight against the Chicago White Sox. Alvarez will start at third base and bat 6th as the Pirates look to end a nine game losing streak.
Pirates Lineup
1. Tabata, LF
2. Walker, 2B
3. McCutchen, CF
4. Jones, 1B
5. Doumit, C
6. Alvarez, 3B
7. Milledge, RF
8. Crosby, SS
9. Duke, SP
Updated: 3:37 p.m. – The Pirates have designated second baseman Aki Iwamura for assignment, clearing a roster spot for Pedro Alvarez.
Iwamura, 31, was batting .182 with 2 home runs and 9 RBI’s. He lost his starting job to Neil Walker.
Iwamura was the Pirates highest paid player, making $4.85 million.
Neal Huntington said Iwamura, in a difficult move, will be placed on the open trade market.
“If there are no takers, we can option Aki to Triple-A,” he said. “We can help Aki get back to the major leagues and get back to the player he is. The best way to do that is play.”