Pirates to bring up power-hitting outfielder Andrew Lambo Tuesday

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates will call up outfielder Andrew Lambo on Tuesday, hoping the outfielder can give the team's beleaguered bench a boost heading into a pivotal series with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 25-year-old Lambo hit a combined .284 with 31 home runs and 97 RBI in 117 games between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis this season. The Pirates, who lead the NL Central by three games over the Cardinals, will make a corresponding move to the 25-man roster before Tuesday night's series opener.

Entering the day on Monday, Lambo’s 31 home runs were tied for the most in all of minor league baseball.

The left-handed hitting Lambo gives the Pirates more options off the bench. Pittsburgh's offense is averaging just 3.86 runs per game, which ranks 23rd among the 30 major league teams.

Lambo, who was acquired in a 2010 trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, wrote on his Facebook page Monday: “WE GOING TO THE BURGH!!!!”

The Pirates also announced Monday that they signed veteran catcher Kelly Shoppach to a minor league contract. The 33-year-old Shoppach began the season with the Seattle Mariners before being released in June.

Shoppach is a career .224 hitter in nine seasons with five teams. The Pirates are searching for catching depth after backup Mike McKenry went down for the season with a knee injury last month. Shoppach will report to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

WPXI