Pirates Claim Canaan Smith-Njigba From Mariner

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The Pirates have Justin Holiday Jersey claimed off waivers from the Mariners, per announcements from both clubs. The outfielder was designated for a signment by the Ms on the weekend. The Pirates placed right-hander on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move. Smith-Njigba, 25 in April, returns to the Pirates after a brief uncoupling. He originally joined the club in the that sent to the Yankees and was with the Bucs for about three years before being designated for a signment last month. He was claimed off waivers by the Mariners about two weeks ago, which briefly had him employed in the same city as his brother, of the Seahawks. But the Mariners bumped Canaan off the roster when they claimed over the weekend. The Bucs needed Smith-Njigbas roster spot a couple of weeks ago to add . At the time, the 60-day IL had not yet opened, as clubs cant use it between the end of the World Series and the time when pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. Now that they do have acce s to the 60-day IL, they were able to move Brubaker there and fit Smith-Njigba back onto the roster. Brubaker had Tommy John surgery in April of last year and it appears the club isnt expecting him back soon. The 60 days dont start until Opening Day, so he wont be eligible to return until late May. If Smith-Njigba can stick on the Pirates roster this time, hes likely to serve a depth role for the club this year. Hes hit just .135/.250/.243 in his 44 major league plate appearances thus far but still has an option remaining. Hes hit .279/.373/.452 in Triple-A over the past two years, leading to a 112 wRC+. He also stole 29 bases in those 157 games while playing all three outfield slots. The Bucs are slated to have in left and in center, but right field is a little bit more open. Players like , , and are candidates to take some outfield playing time but Smith-Njigba will be in that mix as well, along with non-roster players like and . The designated hitter spot is likely to be taken by on most days. Avery Bradley Jersey