Pirates reinstate Kevin Newman from injured list

Kevin Newman is returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates active roster for the first time since April 26. What’s more, he was in the starting lineup at second base for Friday’s game against the Brewers.

Newman played in only 14 games this season, driving in eight runs with a .250 batting average, before injuring his groin in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Initially, he was expected to miss no more than five weeks, but he injured his hamstring on a rehab assignment in Triple-A Indianapolis and was put on the 60-day injured list.

Newman’s reinstatement was among a series of roster moves made by the Pirates on Friday.

The Pirates sent cash to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for right-handed pitcher Yohan Ramirez, who was optioned to Indianapolis. To make room for Ramirez on the 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Aaron Fletcher was designated for assignment.

Ramirez, 27, has appeared in eight games this season between the Seattle Mariners and Guardians, compiling a 1-0 record and 6.97 ERA.

Over four major-league seasons and 49 games, he has a 2-3 record, with five saves, a 3.99 ERA and .180 batting average against. His pitching arsenal includes a slider, four-seam fastball and sinker.

Fletcher, 26, appeared in nine games for the Pirates this season, striking out six batters in 11 2/3 innings.

The Pirates also optioned outfielder Bligh Madris to Indianapolis, where he will join pitcher Bryse Wilson, who was returned to the Triple-A club after serving as the 27th man Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds. Wilson was the starting pitcher in the Pirates’ 5-1 loss to the Reds, allowing one earned run in 6 2/3 innings.

Madris played in 15 games, recording a .259 batting average with one home run and six RBIs.

Meanwhile, the Pirates transferred catcher Tyler Heineman to the Family Medical Emergency List.