Notes: Opportunity for Alford; Brito tragedy

PITTSBURGH -- While the big story on Tuesday was the Pirates’ promotion of prospect Ke’Bryan Hayes, they also added a former top prospect they expect to play quite a bit down the stretch.

In addition to recalling Hayes before Tuesday’s series opener against the Cubs at PNC Park, the Pirates activated outfielder Anthony Alford. Pittsburgh claimed Alford off waivers from the Blue Jays on Thursday. To make room for Hayes and Alford on their active roster, the Pirates optioned outfielder Jason Martin and left-hander Brandon Waddell to their alternate training site in Altoona.

Alford was not in the starting lineup on Tuesday, but manager Derek Shelton said the 26-year-old outfielder “will probably get in there the next few days.” Shelton and general manager Ben Cherington worked with Alford while they were in Toronto, and both believe he will benefit from a change of scenery in Pittsburgh.

Alford was once the No. 48 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, but he played inconsistently with the Blue Jays. Over the past four years, he totaled only 75 plate appearances in 46 games. He hit just .155 with a .454 OPS and six steals in that limited playing time, but he’ll be given a more prominent role with the Pirates over the final month of the season.

“I think he does have untapped potential. I’m excited for him to start working with our offensive group," Shelton said. “He’s a really strong kid, really athletic kid. We’re not going to put any pressure on him. He's going to get the opportunity to play and get some at-bats. We’ll formulate a plan and kind of work from there.”

Shelton said Alford can and will play all three outfield spots. Cole Tucker will continue to work in center and right field, and the Pirates will continue to try to get right fielder/designated hitter Gregory Polanco on track at the plate. But with Jarrod Dyson traded, Guillermo Heredia now with the Mets and Martin optioned back to Altoona, center field is clear for Tucker and Alford to get most of the playing time.

The Trade Deadline has come and gone, and the Pirates entered Tuesday with the National League's worst record. So even though rosters didn’t expand on Tuesday, as they typically would on Sept. 1, the Bucs intend to use their final 28 games as a testing ground for next season and beyond.

“I think the big word for us is opportunity. We’ve talked about it for the last couple of weeks. We’ve continued to play different people, and everybody's gotten an opportunity,” Shelton said. “We’re going to continue to do that. One of the things that we're going to evaluate as we go through September is who seizes the opportunity moving forward into 2021.

“That's not only on the position player side, but it's on the pitching side, it's in the bullpen. Guys are going to get put in different opportunities than they have maybe in the past.”

? Outfielder Socrates Brito, who has been working out at the Pirates’ alternate training site, has not officially opted out of the rest of the season but may do so soon following the death of his brother. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, Brito’s brother passed away after contracting COVID-19. Brito tested positive for COVID-19 at the start of Summer Camp.

“After the sad news of his brother’s passing, we have worked with Socrates to help him return home to be with his family,” the Pirates said in a statement. “We are supporting him in any way we can, including working through the possibility of him opting out for the remainder of the season to give him time to be able to grieve with his family. ... Our thoughts remain with Socrates and his family during the difficult time.”

? Left fielder Bryan Reynolds, who was placed on the paternity list on Sunday, and his wife, Blair, welcomed their first child on Monday. The Reynoldses announced the birth of their son, Reese, on social media. Shelton said he planned to speak Monday night with Reynolds, who will return to the team “at the appropriate time,” and offered his congratulations.

“So very happy for Bryan and Blair Reynolds,” Shelton said. “Bryan and I did talk the other day about becoming a dad for the first time. I shared some of the experiences that I screwed up when I first did it and told him, ‘Hey, it's a fun time.’ Very happy for them.”

? Right-hander Joe Musgrove will come off the 10-day injured list to start Wednesday night against the Cubs at PNC Park. Musgrove, who has not pitched since Aug. 4 due to right triceps inflammation, recently faced hitters in live batting practice at the club’s alternate training site. Rather than build up his pitch count in simulated games, Musgrove will do so in the Majors. It’s unclear, however, how many innings Musgrove will be able to work in his return to the mound.

? Left-hander Derek Holland was previously listed as Pittsburgh’s probable starter for Wednesday’s game. Shelton said the Pirates are discussing Holland’s role but “haven’t determined yet” what it will be. Shelton noted the club has a doubleheader Friday against the Reds at PNC Park, which means they’ll need another starter later this week.