Just minutes before first pitch, the Pirates made a move many thought would potentially come days or weeks ago.
Pittsburgh designated utility man Josh VanMeter for assignment Wednesday afternoon before the first of two games against the New York Mets.
Fellow utility player Hoy Park was recalled in a corresponding move. Park has seen action in 22 MLB games with the Pirates this year, hitting .220 with two home runs, six RBI, and a stolen base.
Park slashed .236/.342/.386, mashing 10 home runs while bringing in 34 runs in 78 games with Triple-A Indianapolis.