PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates called up former Curve infielder Jordy Mercer from Triple-A Indianapolis while demoting 3B Yamaico Navarro.
Mercer, taken by the Pirates with their third pick in the 2008 Draft, was hitting .303 at Indianapolis with 11 doubles, three homers and 22 RBIs. The 25-year-old split time between second base, shortstop and third base but is expected to play shortstop with the Pirates. Mercer hit safely in each of his last eight games with Indianapolis and ranked eighth in the International League in hitting at the time of his call-up.
Navarro hit .178 with one homer and four RBIs in 25 games with the Pirates. Manager Clint Hurdle said Navarro will benefit from more regular playing time in Indianapolis.
Mercer grounded out in his first major league at bat in the eighth inning Tuesday.
- The Associated Press
