The Pirates infield is back at full strength.
The Pirates recalled shortstop Jordy Mercer from his rehab assignment with Class AAA Indianapolis today and placed first baseman Travis Ishikawa on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.
Mercer injured his left knee July 19 in a collision with then-Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez.
Mercer, the opening-day starter at shortstop, is not in the starting lineup tonight for a series finale against the San Francisco Giants. Manager Clint Hurdle said Mercer wouldn't be thrust straight into the starting lineup upon his return, but he will get starts soon.