PHOENIX — Perhaps it seemed like a surprise when the Pirates optioned Adam Frazier to Class AAA Indianapolis Sunday. Frazier, a seemingly established fixture of the Pirates bench, was heading to the minor leagues for, presumably, his most extended playing time there since 2016.
But consider the options.
Literally, Frazier has minor-league options.
“I think the term that's used is ‘asset allocation,’” manager Clint Hurdle said. “He’s got options. He can be recalled. At this point in time, we also felt it’d be beneficial for him to play some games and get some consistent at-bats.”
With Francisco Cervelli recovering from a jaw injury, the Pirates called up Jacob Stallings to provide some cushion behind the plate.