Tyler Callihan Recalled as Pirates Add Infield Depth
The Pirates recalled tyler callihan from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday evening, giving the club another infield option while Konnor Griffin dealt with right forearm soreness. Griffin was still available, but he was not in the starting lineup against the Chicago Cubs.
Callihan Joins Pittsburgh Again
Callihan, 25, arrived in a move that was tied directly to the Pirates' need for infield depth. He had spent most of 2025 with Indianapolis and was hitting.223/.305/.346 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 49 games before the call-up.
The Pirates sent Esmerlyn Valdez back to Triple-A in the corresponding move. Valdez had made his major league debut on May 22 and entered Thursday with five big-league games on his line.
Griffin's Forearm Limits Lineup
Griffin's right forearm soreness left him out of the starting lineup against Chicago, which opened a spot for Pittsburgh to add coverage around the infield. The rookie shortstop remained available, but the Pirates chose to protect the lineup card rather than push him into the opening nine.
That shift matters because Callihan has already been used at second base, third base, left field and right field for Indianapolis. Pittsburgh is not asking him to solve one position; it is asking him to cover several if Griffin cannot go or if the game changes late.
Valdez Heads Back
Valdez's demotion adds the other side of the transaction. Through his first five major league games, he was hitting.125, and both of his hits were home runs. Pittsburgh moved him out to make room for a player it could use more broadly in the field.
Callihan brings more than just recent Triple-A at-bats. The Pirates got him from the Cincinnati Reds in early March for reliever Kyle Nicolas, and he entered the organization after being selected by the Reds in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He has played in 445 career minor league games and carries a.258 batting average in the minors.
For Pittsburgh, the practical change is simple: one more utility option on a night when Griffin could not start. Callihan also owns four major league games from his 2025 debut with the Reds, so the Pirates are turning to a player who has already reached the top level and can move around the diamond right away.
