Pirates notebook: Liover Peguero returns with versatility; starting rotation resets after break

Liover Peguero has bounced back and forth between Triple-A Indianapolis and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now that he’s back in the major leagues, look for him to bounce around the infield.

Once a top-10 prospect, the 24-year-old has made 28 starts at shortstop, 22 appearances at third base, nine starts at second base, eight starts in center field and five starts at first base while hitting .251 with 14 doubles, one triple, five home runs, 36 RBIs and 35 runs scored in 72 games at Indianapolis this season.

This is Peguero’s second stint with the Pirates this season, following a stay from May 2-11 in which he batted .222 (2 for 9) in four games. Pirates manager Don Kelly applauded Peguero’s increased versatility.

“All the reports coming back on Peggy have been phenomenal from Triple-A,” Kelly said. “The work that he’s put in. … Provided some consistent at-bats. Just the leadership that he showed at Triple-A from what we heard from the staff down there was tremendous. Looking forward to him being back and getting some playing time.”

Peguero takes the spot on the active roster vacated by Adam Frazier, who was traded Wednesday to the Kansas City Royals for minor-league infielder Cam Devanney. Kelly said he was “really impressed” with Frazier’s “elite level” play at second base, calling him a “true pro” and adding that “we’re going to miss him.”

The Frazier trade is expected to be the first of many by the Pirates leading up to MLB’s July 31 trade deadline, so Kelly is doing his best to keep his players prepared for the possibility of being dealt.

“It’s always a tough time of year,” Kelly said. “Just being upfront and open and talking to the guys and letting them know that if they ever have anything, the door’s always open to come in and talk about (it). It’s not an easy time for guys to go through, especially guys with families, thinking about that and how do we help them maintain their focus to put their focus out on the field and not on the rumors.

“You can’t address every single rumor that comes across because you just don’t know where they’re coming from or how it transpires. But being upfront and talking to guys as much as we can, from myself or from (general manager) Ben (Cherington), making sure they’re in a good spot when they go out there and play and focus on the game.”

Rotation reset

The Pirates opened a 10-day, nine-game homestand by resetting their starting rotation for a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox.

Kelly opted to split up his left-handers, moving righty Mike Burrows between Bailey Falter and Andrew Heaney. That sets up Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Falter to face the Detroit Tigers.

Kelly said monitoring innings was part of the Pirates’ motivation. Heaney is considered a likely trade candidate because he’s on a one-year contract, whereas Keller might be the team’s top trade chip because he has three years of club control remaining on his $77 million deal.

“We’ve talked about it with Paul. I think we lose sight of the fact he is in his first full major-league season, and we are mindful of the innings,” Kelly said. “Burrows is coming off Tommy John (surgery) a couple of years ago. Came back, got into the game at the end of the year at Yankee Stadium, but still hasn’t built up a bulk of innings. With those guys, Ashcraft coming up and being in the ’pen, historically been a starter, but he’s dealt with some injuries in the past, too. Just trying to take it all into account as we look at all of the guys individually and make sure they are in a good spot.”

Oviedo to join Curve

Right-hander Johan Oviedo, who is returning from Tommy John surgery and recovered from a lat strain, had his rehabilitation assignment transferred from Low-A Bradenton to Double-A Altoona.

Kelly said he has received “good reports” on Oviedo, who was at PNC Park on Thursday for a workout with the Pirates.

“He was in great shape, good frame of mind,” Kelly said. “He’s excited to get to Altoona. We are excited for him to take that next step. You talk about a long journey for him going from Tommy John, he was looking good in spring and ended up having the lat. It’s not easy to go through those significant injuries like that back-to-back. Excited for him to take that next step towards getting back here.”