PITTSBURGH -- Typically, the Pirates promote their top prospects to play. Austin Meadows made his Major League debut in May because Starling Marte's injury created an opportunity in center field. So when Jordy Mercer went on the disabled list on Thursday, it was fair to expect that Kevin Newman was called up to replace Mercer on an everyday basis.
But Adeiny Hechavarria has emerged as the starting shortstop in Mercer's absence, starting his fifth straight game on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park. The Pirates acquired the slick-fielding Hechavarria from the Rays on Aug.