Inside The Cardinals

Pirates Claiming 28-Year-Old Utility Man From Cardinals

The Pirates are claiming a former member of the Cardinals...
Patrick McAvoy|
Sep 16, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates hats and gloves in the dugout against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Sep 16, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates hats and gloves in the dugout against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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St. Louis CardinalsPittsburgh Pirates

One former member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization has found a new home in the National League Central.

St. Louis acquired utility man Michael Helman from the Minnesota Twins in February for cash considerations. He made his big league debut in 2024 with the Twins and appeared in nine games. Over that span, he went 3-for-10 while tallying two doubles. In that small sample size Helman appeared in all three outfield positions for the Twins as well as at third base.

He started the season off with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds and appeared in 18 games. Helman slashed .185/.260/.292 with one homer and five RBIs. Helman spent a short time in the organization and was claimed off waivers on Wednesday, as shared by MLB Trade Rumors' Darragh McDonald.

"The Pirates have claimed infielder/outfielder Michael Helman off waivers from the Cardinals, according to announcements from both clubs," McDonald said. "There was no previous indication that the Cards had removed Helman from their 40-man roster, so their count drops to 39. The Bucs opened a 40-man spot by transferring infielder Enmanuel Valdéz to the 60-day injured list."

The Pirates officially announced the move on social media.

"We have claimed INF/OF Michael Helman off waivers from the Cardinals and transferred INF Enmanuel Valdez from the 10- to the 60-day injured list to make room for Helman on the 40-man roster," the Pirates announced.

Will he get a shot to face off against the Cardinals in division play?

More MLB: Cardinals MVP Starting Becoming Clear Thanks To Hot Streak

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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu

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