Gutierrez, 22, is known for his defensive abilities and could make his MLB debut this week.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a plethora of roster moves before game two of a four-game series against the Washington Nationals, highlighted by one of the organization’s top catching prospects.
On Tuesday, the Pirates added catcher Abrahan Gutierrez to their taxi squad. Gutierrez has a locker at PNC Park, but has not been elevated and activated onto the 26-man roster, according to multiple reports.
Kevin Gorman of the Trib reported before the game that manager Derek Shelton told the media catcher/first baseman Endy Rodriguez will be placed on the 10-day IL. Rodriguez suffered a right index finger laceration and required stitches after being injured behind the plate three batters into the Bucs’ 10-3 win Monday.
Reliever Chase Shugart is being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis for his second stint with the big league club, while Joey Bart (back) continues to be evaluated.
Abrahan Gutierrez gets ahold of this one for his first of the season with Greensboro #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/mF62gQJNnt
— Anthony Murphy (@__Murphy88) April 8, 2023
Gutierrez, 25, bats right-handed and earned a .385 average in 13 at-bats for the Indians this season after originally being scheduled to start in Double-A Altoona. The Pirates traded catcher Jason Delay to Atlanta on April 3, which helped open the door for additional reps with five hits in five games.
A lifetime .263 hitter, Gutierrez doesn’t rank in MLB Pipeline’s organizational top 30. He’s recorded 88 doubles, 28 homers, and 209 RBIs through eight minor league seasons and was acquired by the Pirates in July 2021 for lefty Braeden Ogle. Gutierrez has yet to make his MLB debut.
The Pirates play the Nationals at 6:40 p.m. inside PNC Park as Mitch Keller takes the mound for the 6-11 Buccos against the 6-10 Nats.