On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates released an update on Jordy Mercer, who was carted off the field during Sunday’s finale against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Jordy Mercer Update: Jordy has been diagnosed with a lower leg contusion and a sprain of the medial collateral ligament of his left knee.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 20, 2015
The Pirates announced that Mercer would be placed on the disabled list, but he would not require surgery at this time. The timetable for Mercer is six weeks.
Mercer injured his knew when Carlos Gomez slid into him when running to second base.
Carlos Gomez takes out Jordy Mercer pic.twitter.com/wUgqHB5Ye4
— Forbes to Federal (@ForbesToFederal) July 19, 2015
To replace Mercer, the Pirates have called up 28-year-old infielder Brent Morel from Indianapolis and placed Corey Hart on the 60-day disabled list. Morel his .179 in 21 games with the Pirates in 2014.
Earlier in the day, Fox’s Jon Morosi reported that the Pirates had interest in Padres outfielder Justin Upton, a free agent after this season, but due to the injury to Mercer, they will prioritize an infielder instead.
#Pirates interested in Justin Upton, but they will prioritize an infielder if Jordy Mercer is out for extended period. Holding pattern now.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 20, 2015
In the short term, Jung Ho Kang is expected to move to short stop while Mercer is on the shelf.
