Pirates put C Cervelli on DL with broken hand, get C Kratz

PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Pirates put catcher Francisco Cervelli on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a broken left hand that is expected to sideline him four to six weeks.

The Pirates also acquired backup catcher Erik Kratz from the Los Angeles Angels for $20,000, payable by June 30.

Cervelli left Friday night's game against St. Louis after breaking his hamate bone on a swing. He had surgery Saturday.

Cervelli is hitting .257 with 21 RBIs. Chris Stewart took over after Cervelli was hurt in the fourth inning.

Kratz joined the Pirates for Saturday night's home game against the Cardinals.

Stewart is expected to get the bulk of the playing time behind the plate.

''We have to make sure we keep (Stewart) in a competitive place where we can keep his energy strong,'' Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. ''He's never had to play seven days in a row, six days in a row.''

''We'll have to see what Kratz can bring us as well. There are people here who have some history with him. We know (Stewart) and we're going to look to him first,'' he said.

The 35-year-old Kratz made his big league debut with the Pirates in 2010. He also has played for Philadelphia, Toronto, Kansas City and Houston.

Kratz went to spring training with San Diego this season and was traded to Houston. He played 15 games for the Astros, was cut in mid-May and joined the Angels' Triple-A team.

Minor league right-hander Trey Haley was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, and left-hander Kyle Lobstein was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

In addition, right-hander Arquimedes Caminero was activated from the 15-day disabled list after recovering from a strained left quadriceps, and infielder Cole Figueroa was optioned to Triple-A.