With reclamation project Brandon Wood coming over, the Pittsburgh Pirates had to make room on their 25- and 40-man rosters. Shortstop Josh Rodriguez was the unfortunate victim of the roster squeeze, and the first pick in the 2010 Rule 5 draft was designated for assignment. If the Pirates are unable to make a trade, and if Rodriguez clears waivers, the Cleveland Indians will have a chance to reclaim him.
Josh Rodriguez Designated For Assignment To Make Room For Brandon Wood
The 26-year-old Rodriguez was 1-for-12 to start the season, but he was an interesting option at short after hitting .293/.372/.486 for AAA Columbus last season in the Indians organization. His ZiPS projection projected that he could hit .249/.324/.374, which doesn't sound like much, but that would have been the best offensive production the Pirates have received from a shortstop since Jack Wilson's fluke season in 2007.
The Indians presumably will be happy to take Rodriguez back, though there isn't a lot of room for him in AAA, with Jason Kipnis, Cord Phelps, and Lonnie Chisenhall making up an all-interesting infield.
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