Josh Vanmeter

VanMeter is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles. The lefty-hitting VanMeter will be on the bench for the fourth time in five games, this time with a righty (Spenser Watkins) taking the hill for the opposition. Michael Chavis will get the nod at first base Sunday, but Bligh Madris -- who is manning right field in the series finale -- looks to be the preferred option at the position over both Chavis and VanMeter at the moment.

VanMeter remains on the bench Friday against the Orioles, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. VanMeter has now been on the bench for three straight games, each of which has come against a right-hander. His .184/.267/.296 season slash line suggests he doesn't deserve everyday at-bats. Bligh Madris, who had previously been fighting for time in the outfield corners, will make his third straight start at first base.

VanMeter isn't starting Wednesday against the Brewers. VanMeter is getting a day off after he went 1-for-4 with a run, a stolen base, three walks and three strikeouts over the last two games. Bligh Madris is starting at first base while Tucupita Marcano enters the lineup in left field.

Josh VanMeter’s dream would be to report to the ballpark knowing which position he will play before the lineup is even posted, but he has adjusted to life as the Pittsburgh Pirates’ superutility player. VanMeter has stretched the definition of his job description by playing five positions this...

VanMeter isn't starting Friday's game against the Phillies. Most of VanMeter's recent starts have come against right-handed pitchers, and he'll get a day off with southpaw Bailey Falter on the mound for the Phillies on Friday. Michael Chavis is starting at first base and batting cleanup.

VanMeter will sit Saturday against the Brewers. VanMeter finds himself on the bench for the second game in a row. His off day Friday against lefty Aaron Ashby came as no surprise, but the fact that he remains on the bench Saturday against righty Brandon Woodruff seemingly suggests he's dropping to a bench role. A decrease in playing time is seemingly deserved, as VanMeter is hitting just .197/.267/.320 through 44 games. Kevin Newman, who returned from a groin strain Friday, will make his second straight start at the keystone.

VanMeter isn't starting Friday's game against the Brewers. VanMeter is out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games since left-hander Aaron Ashby is on the mound for Milwaukee. Kevin Newman is starting at the keystone and batting seventh.

VanMeter is not in the starting lineup for Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Reds. VanMeter will take a seat as the Pirates take on left-hander Mike Minor in Game 1. Michael Chavis will get the start at second base and bat third in the contest.

VanMeter will start at second base and bat ninth Tuesday against the Yankees. Before he was on the bench for the final two games of the Pirates' weekend series with the Brewers, VanMeter had made all five of his starts since returning from the 10-day injured list June 27 at either first base or designated hitter. His path to regular playing time at either of those spots now appears blocked with Yoshi Tsutsugo (back) returning from the IL on Tuesday, but VanMeter could end up settling into the large side of a platoon at second base with the righty-hitting Diego Castillo. One of Castillo, Tucupita Marcano and Hoy Park had started at second base in each of the previous seven games, but the latter two players were optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

VanMeter went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI on Monday against the Nationals. VanMeter returned from a three-week absence caused by a finger injury. He immediately stepped into the starting lineup, batting seventh while playing first base. It would be a surprise to see VanMeter continue to get playing time over Michael Chavis -- who was out of the lineup Monday -- but he could cost both Hoy Park and Diego Castillo time at second base while Tucupita Marcano (illness) remains sidelined. Across 111 plate appearances this season, VanMeter has hit .218/.279/.366.

VanMeter (finger) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. VanMeter is ready for game action three weeks after fracturing his left ring finger. Prior to the injury, he'd hit a mediocre .214/.280/.357, and it's difficult to imagine he'll return to a regular role once healthy, especially with Oneil Cruz's arrival crowding the middle infield.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that VanMeter (finger) is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment this week, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Prior to fracturing his left ring finger June 1, VanMeter had settled in as the Pirates' primary second baseman, but he may not...

VanMeter was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with a fractured left ring finger, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. He suffered the injury Wednesday. Daniel Vogelbach was activated in a corresponding move. Rodolfo Castro should see plenty of starts at second base going forward.

VanMeter was removed from Wednesday's game against the Dodgers with left hand discomfort, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. VanMeter went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a strikeout before being replaced in the field for the bottom of the sixth inning. The 27-year-old should be considered day-to-day, and he'll have Thursday's scheduled off day to aid in his recovery before potentially missing additional time.

VanMeter is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. VanMeter has a 1.008 OPS over his past eight games but will head to the bench Tuesday since lefty Julio Urias is on the mound for Los Angeles. Diego Castillo will man the keystone in VanMeter's absence.

VanMeter is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rockies. Lefty Kyle Freeland is on the mound for Colorado, so VanMeter will head to the bench after starting the past two games. Diego Castillo will man the keystone in his place.

VanMeter will sit Saturday against the Cardinals. VanMeter hits the bench against debuting lefty Matthew Liberatore. He's only started against three of the 13 southpaws the Pirates have faced this season. Diego Castillo will get the start at second base.