Cole

Figueroa

Figueroa was designated for assignment by the Pirates over the weekend. The 28-year-old has struggled in limited opportunities in the majors and will mostly function as infield depth in the minors.

Kang will get a breather after playing four straight games. Cole Figueroa will get the start at third base and bat eighth.

The Bucs needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Figueroa has just four hits in 26 at-bats in his time in the majors this season.

It’s been a brutal injury night for Pittsburgh. Francisco Cervelli (foot) and Andrew McCutchen (thumb) went down earlier in the game and now Mercer will join them in the trainer’s room. Mercer left after getting drilled by a pitch from Kyle Barraclough in the ninth inning. Cole Figueroa replaced him at shortstop. Mercer went 0-for-2 with a walk before exiting.

Figueroa was just claimed off waivers from the Pirates a couple of weeks ago, but he was waived to create a spot on the 40-man roster for Andrew Toles who joined the Dodgers on Friday. There’s a chance that the veteran utility infielder could latch on elsewhere.

The Pirates needed to clear a roster spot for Arquimedes Caminero, who was activated from the disabled list on Saturday. Figueroa has struggled offensively this year with just four hits in 26 at-bats. He should be back with the Bucs later this season.

Figuera was designated for assignment by Los Angeles last week and passed through waivers unclaimed. He is now free to sign with any team. Figueroa, 29, holds a .208/.250/.286 career batting line.

The club needed 40-man roster space after Friday’s trade with the Padres. Figueroa was just signed by the Marlins two weeks ago.

It didn’t take Figueroa long to resurface after getting released by the Dodgers on Friday. Figueroa has had a productive year in the minor leagues but only has four hits in 26 major league at-bats this season. He’s been with three organizations in the past two months.

Figueroa batted .154 with a .339 OPS in 23 games this season for the Marlins. The 29-year-old infielder is a .208/.250/.286 career hitter at the major league level.