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MLB

As roster expand, Pirates put a premium on big-league experience

By FoxSports
Published | Updated
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Rosters expand to 40 players Tuesday and the Pittsburgh Pirates aren't fooling around.

Rather than stock up on prospects who haven't been in a big-league dugout, the Pirates are seeking to bring in players who have been around the block.

According to MLB.com, the Bucs want to load up on players with major-league experience to lend a hand during the final month of the regular season.

MLB.com reports that among the first wave of eight call-ups, seven are "seasoned" major-leaguers, and six have already appeared with the Pirates this season. MLB.com offered a brief analysis of each of the expected call-ups:

Elias Diaz, catcher: He'll immediately become the best defensive catcher on board. Diaz's arsenal includes a terrific arm, so he will be a late-game deterrent to the Bucs getting stolen blind.

Travis Snider, outfielder: He'll be the No. 1 lefty bat off the bench. Before relieving a slumping Gregory Polancoin right field last season, Snider batted .250 with two homers as the Pirates' busiest pinch-hitter.

Jaff Decker, outfielder: A superb defender, he will give Clint Hurdle a third option in center field for late-game moves.

Pedro Florimon, outfielder: See "Decker," and apply to shortstop.

Bobby LaFromboise, left-handed pitcher: He will be what neither of the two incumbent lefties in the bullpen (Tony Watson,Antonio Bastardo) are -- a matchup southpaw.

Radhames Liz, right-handed pitcher: After an effective early-season tenure in the Bucs' bullpen, he returned to starting in Indianapolis and posted a 1.67 ERA in 10 starts. Liz will be a staff wild card.

Vance Worley, right-handed pitcher: He may not be an early callup, because J.A. Happ's effectiveness negates an immediate need for a starter, but the Pirates will eventually want to enlist his experience.

Rob Scahill, right-handed pitcher: He may also be left off the first boat, in which case he will remain on call as a hard-throwing fireman who has spent two months working his way back from forearm issues.

(h/t MLB.com)