A former Pirates manager is returning to the team in a different role. Gene Lamont, who managed the team from 1997 to 2000 and was one of the original coaches under Jim Leyland, is now special advisor to new Manager Don Kelly. He will start when the Pirates return home next week. Meanwhile, Triple-A Indianapolis Manager Chris Truby has been added to the major-league coaching staff in an unspecified role. He has joined the team in Philadelphia.
The team also had some changes to the roster, as Nick Solak was called up from Indy. He has lead all hitters in batting and ranks fourth in on-base percentage. To make room for Solak on the active roster, the Pirates optioned outfielder Ji Hwan Bae to Indianapolis. To clear space on the 40-man roster, infielder/outfielder Michael Helman was designated for assignment. Helman was claimed off waivers earlier this week. The Pirates also announced that second basemen Nick Gonzales started his rehab assignment in Indianapolis.
