Pirates infielder Josh Harrison is off the disabled list and back on the active roster after missing the past six weeks with a torn thumb ligament.
Before the injury Harrison was having a rough season, following up last year’s All-Star campaign by hitting just .279 with four homers and a .696 OPS that represents a 141-point drop from 2014. He went just 1-for-19 on a minor-league rehab assignment, but was able to convince the Pirates that he’s ready to play.
His return to the lineup at third base likely means July trade pickup and career-long third baseman Aramis Ramirez will regularly shift across the diamond to first base, cutting into Pedro Alvarez’s playing time significantly. Harrison may also see some time at second base in place of Neil Walker.