The Pittsburgh Pirates activated catcher Austin Hedges from the concussion injured list Friday and immediately inserted him into the starting lineup — batting ninth— against the St. Louis Cardinals.
To make room for Hedges on the active roster, catcher Tyler Heineman was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Hedges was 0 for 7 in three games before he was put on the injured list April 4. Heineman was 1 for 9 in three games.
In pitching moves, right-hander Chase De Jong was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to Thursday) with a lumbar spine muscle strain. Right-hander Robert Stephenson completed his rehab assignment after suffering right elbow inflammation and was reinstated from the 15-day injured list.
Stephenson made four relief appearances with Indianapolis, throwing three innings, striking out six and walking five.
