Pirates calling up top prospect Gregory Polanco

With Neil Walker set to hit the DL following an appendectomy, the Pirates have called up Polanco from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Walker’s place on the roster.

Polanco has seen his prospect status soar the past two seasons and entered 2014 as the 10th-ranked prospect in baseball, according to Baseball America.

Given Polanco’s performance to begin this season in Triple-A, the outfielder’s stock has only risen this spring, and after weeks of speculation regarding when Pittsburgh would promote its prized prospect, the Dominican Republic native is finally on his way to the big leagues.

Polanco’s call-up comes just a few days after multiple media reports stated the Pirates would promote the outfielder last Friday.

Through 62 games in Indianapolis, Polanco has batted .347/.405/.540 with seven home runs and 17 doubles. He has 24 walks and 44 strikeouts in 274 plate appearances. Polanco’s prospect status increased mightily in 2013 after he began the year in High-A before moving up two levels to finish the season in Triple-A.

In truth, Polanco has been more than ready for a call up to the majors, but by waiting until June, the Pirates have given the youngster a better chance to avoid Super Two status, which would give the Pirates another year of control before Polanco is eligible for free agency.

Polanco will join a young and talented Pittsburgh outfield that already features reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte. With McCutchen already in center, Polanco will shift over to right field in the majors for the Pirates after spending the majority of his time in center field down in the minors.

Harrison is expected to slot into second base while Walker is out.