Pirates claim INF/OF Michael Helman off waivers from St. Louis
The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed 28-year-old infielder/outfielder Michael Helman off waivers from the Cardinals on Wednesday afternoon.
Helman, who bats right-handed, appeared in 18 games for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds this season, slashing .185/.260/.292 with a homer, four doubles and six RBIs.
An 11th-round (No. 334 overall) draft pick in 2019 by Minnesota, he made his MLB debut with the Twins last September, appearing in nine games while batting .300 (3 for 10).
To make room for Helman on the 40-man roster, first baseman Enmanuel Valdez (left shoulder inflammation) was transferred from the 10-day to 60-day injured list.
Through 495 minor-league games, Helman owns a .257 batting average.
Last year, appearing in 72 games for Minnesota’s Triple-A affiliate in St. Paul, he batted .271 with 14 homers, 18 doubles and 47 RBIs.
Defensively, Helman has been versatile, seeing action at every outfield position and everywhere in the infield minus catcher.
In terms of career starts, he’s played the most at second base (164 starts), followed by center field (95), shortstop (71) and second base (41).
This season with the Memphis Redbirds, he’s moved around frequently, with multiple starts at short, second, center and right field.
Note: The Pirates also announced that catcher/first baseman Endy Rodriguez would begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday. Rodriguez has been on the injured list since mid-April with a right hand laceration.
Justin Guerriero is a TribLive reporter covering the Penguins, Pirates and college sports. A Pittsburgh native, he is a Central Catholic and University of Colorado graduate. He joined the Trib in 2022 after covering the Colorado Buffaloes for Rivals and freelancing for the Denver Post. He can be reached at jguerriero@triblive.com.
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