INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa activated ahead of Pirates debut

Field Level Media|published: Sat 3rd August, 18:52 2024

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Guardians

Jun 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) rounds the bases on his solo home run in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Recently acquired infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa came off the 10-day injured list Saturday and was in the Pittsburgh Pirates' starting lineup against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks.

In a corresponding move, the Pirates optioned shortstop Alika Williams to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Kiner-Falefa, 29, started at second base and batted sixth for Pittsburgh on Saturday night.

Kiner-Falefa came over from the Toronto Blue Jays at Tuesday's trade deadline in exchange for prospect Charles McAdoo. Kiner-Falefa finished his rehab stint for a sprained left knee at Double-A Altoona on Friday.

Over 82 games this season with Toronto, Kiner-Falefa hit .292 with seven home runs and 33 RBIs while playing second base, shortstop and third base. He also made one appearance in center field and pitched in one game.

Over 729 games with the Texas Rangers (2018-21), New York Yankees (2022-23) and Blue Jays, he has batted .264 with 33 home runs, 77 stolen bases and 236 RBIs.

Kiner-Falefa, a distant cousin of Pirates legend and Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, won a Gold Glove with Texas in 2020.

--Field Level Media