The Pirates have promoted second baseman Kevin Kramer along with five other players: catcher Ryan Lavarnway, outfielder Jordan Luplow, and right-handers Tanner Anderson, Michael Feliz and Clay Holmes. Kramer and Lavarnway both had to be added to the 40-man roster. To create the needed space, the team designated left-handed reliever Buddy Boshers for assignment.
The closest thing to a surprise among these players is Lavarnway. He’s had a very nice year for Indianapolis, with an .860 OPS that interrupts five years of struggles at the plate. It’s questionable whether Lavarnway has a future beyond this year in Pittsburgh, because he’s out of options.