JOSH VANMETER NEWS

Newly promoted Cruz, Madris spark Pirates, rout Cubs 12-1

Newly promoted Oneil Cruz drove in four runs and Bligh Madris got three hits in his major league debut, sparking the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 12-1 romp over the Chicago Cubs

JUNE 21, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rehab assignment on tap Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that VanMeter (finger) is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment this week, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazett...

Impact Prior to fracturing his left ring finger June 1, VanMeter had settled in as the Pirates' primary second baseman, but he may not reclaim that role once his rehab assignment concludes. The non-contending Pirates initially installed Tucupita Marcano (illness) as VanMeter's main replacement, only for Marcano to land on the COVID-19-related IL last week. Yu Chang, Diego Castillo and Hoy Park have also picked up starts at the keystone in recent days, and that trio along with Marcano could represent higher-priority options for the rebuilding Pirates than VanMeter, a 27-year-old who is already with the fourth organization of his career.

JUNE 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Suwinski hits 3rd HR in bottom 9th, lifts Bucs over Giants

Jack Suwinski hit his third homer of the game in the ninth inning, giving the Pittsburgh Pirates a 4-3, walk-off victory over the San Francisco Giants to avoid a three-game sweep

JUNE 19, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pirates and Diamondbacks square off with series tied 1-1

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks meet on Sunday with the winner claiming the three-game series

JUNE 5, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Diamondbacks face the Pirates with 1-0 series lead

The Arizona Diamondbacks take a 1-0 lead into the next game of the series against the Pittsburgh Pirates

JUNE 4, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thomas hits 2 of Diamondbacks' 5 HRs in win over Pirates

Rookie Alek Thomas hit two of Arizona’s five home runs and the Diamondbacks opened a long road trip by beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-6

JUNE 4, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lands on IL VanMeter was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with a fractured left ring finger, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Impact He suffered the injury Wednesday. Daniel Vogelbach was activated in a corresponding move. Rodolfo Castro should see plenty of starts at second base going forward.

JUNE 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Cleaning up: Pirates beat Dodgers 8-4 for rare sweep in LA

Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-4

JUNE 2, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Leaves with hand injury VanMeter was removed from Wednesday's game against the Dodgers with left hand discomfort, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impact VanMeter went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a strikeout before being replaced in the field for the bottom of the sixth inning. The 27-year-old should be considered day-to-day, and he'll have Thursday's scheduled off day to aid in his recovery before potentially missing additional time.

JUNE 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Sitting versus southpaw VanMeter is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impact VanMeter has a 1.008 OPS over his past eight games but will head to the bench Tuesday since lefty Julio Urias is on the mound for Los Angeles. Diego Castillo will man the keystone in his place.

MAY 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Slugs third homer VanMeter went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run Wednesday against the Rockies.

Impact VanMeter broke the game open in the seventh inning with his third home run of the season. He's riding a modest four-game hitting streak, though his only counting stats in that span came Wednesday. VanMeter continues to get regular run at second base and is hitting .210/.256/.383 across 86 plate appearances on the season.

MAY 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Offensive jolt comes from a couple of unlikely sources in Pirates' series-clinching win over Rockies Jack Suwinski and Josh VanMeter hit three-run home runs as the Pirates rolled past the Rockies, 10-5, on Wednesday.

MAY 25, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM

Not starting Tuesday VanMeter is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rockies.

Impact Lefty Kyle Freeland is on the mound for Colorado, so VanMeter will head to the bench after starting the past two games. Diego Castillo will man the keystone in his place.

MAY 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Multi-hit effort VanMeter went 2-for-4 with a triple Monday against the Rockies.

Impact VanMeter tallied his first multi-hit game since May 11, an eight-game stretch during which he collected only three hits across 23 at-bats. He knocked a one-out triple in the fourth inning -- his fifth extra-base hit of the season -- but was ultimately stranded. VanMeter has gotten regular run at second base despite hitting just .184/.235/.329 across 81 plate appearances, but his roster spot could be in jeopardy as the Pirates continue to promote prospects to the big-league level.

MAY 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Pujols hits 2 HRs, Molina pitches, Matz hurt, Cards top Bucs

Albert Pujols hit two home runs, then caught the warmup tosses when star catcher Yadier Molina made his first pitching appearance to close out the St. Louis Cardinals 18-4 romp ove...

MAY 22, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

On bench against lefty VanMeter will sit Saturday against the Cardinals.

Impact VanMeter hits the bench against debuting lefty Matthew Liberatore. He's only started against three of the 13 southpaws the Pirates have faced this season. Diego Castillo will get the start at second base.

MAY 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Sits against southpaw VanMeter isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Impact Left-hander Drew Smyly is on the mound for the Cubs on Wednesday, so VanMeter will take a seat for the second time in the last three games. Michael Chavis will start at the keystone and bat third.

MAY 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Hits bench against lefty VanMeter is out of the lineup Monday against the Cubs.

Impact With southpaw Wade Miley on the mound for Chicago, the lefty-hitting VanMeter will give way to the righty-hitting Michael Chavis at the keystone. VanMeter had started in four of the Pirates' last five games, going 4-for-15 with a home run, a triple, a walk and two RBI.

MAY 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Productive against Dodgers VanMeter went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, a triple, a walk and two runs scored Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Impact VanMeter drew his first start in the last four games, taking over at second base for Cole Tucker. VanMeter made use of the opportunity, slugging his second homer of the season off Tommy Kahnle in the sixth inning. He then led off the eighth frame with a triple and ultimately came around to score. The Pirates have several young infielders who will likely have the priority for playing time in a rebuilding year, so VanMeter may not earn a regular role without an injury ahead of him.

MAY 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Sitting versus lefty VanMeter is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers.

Impact The lefty-hitting VanMeter will remain on the bench for the third consecutive game with the Pirates opposing a southpaw (Julio Urias) in the series opener. Michael Chavis will fill in for VanMeter at the keystone.

MAY 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Not in Sunday's lineup VanMeter is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.

Impact VanMeter finds himself on the bench for the second straight game against a right-handed pitcher (Tyler Mahle), and his grip on the large-side platoon role at second base may be slipping given his .452 OPS this season. Cole Tucker will receive the start at second base Sunday.

MAY 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Josh VanMeter was forced to catch for the first time in 12 years. It didn't go well Second baseman gets behind home plate, results are as you may expect

MAY 8, 2022 • DEADSPIN.COM

Pirates forced to use emergency catcher — it did not go well

Josh VanMeter had to play catcher for the first time since high school and his struggles helped the Reds beat the Pirates.

MAY 7, 2022

Not starting second game VanMeter isn't starting the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds.

Impact VanMeter started Saturday's matinee at second base, but he closed out the game behind the plate, marking the first time he's played catcher at the professional level. Roberto Perez (hamstring) was seen on a crutch after the first game of the twin bill, so it's possible VanMeter will be the emergency catcher behind starter Andrew Knapp in Saturday's nightcap. Cole Tucker will start at second base while Diego Castillo takes over at shortstop.

MAY 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Pirates Use Emergency Catcher Against Reds Pittsburgh was forced to use Josh VanMeter as their emergency catcher on Saturday afternoon against Cincinnati. Here’s why.

MAY 7, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM