PITTSBURGH -- You could make a case that the Pirates, with Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart, have the best catching tandem in baseball.
Cervelli was acquired from the Yankees in the offseason to replace four-time All-Star Russell Martin, who signed as a free agent with Toronto. Cervelli hasn't disappointed, entering Friday batting a career-high .306, second only to Buster Posey among regular Major League catchers. Cervelli and Stewart were hitting a combined .303, a Major League best for catchers.
"We're very happy with the combination and the work that's been done behind the plate, the work that's been done with every pitcher that takes the mound, the offensive work, the work that gets done when they are not on the field," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.