When news broke Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Pirates had promoted red-hot prospect Billy Cook from Triple-A Indianapolis, fans on social media erupted with excitement — though perhaps not for the right reasons.
MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf reported the move on X (formerly Twitter), prompting a wave of ecstatic replies from fans who believed Cook’s call-up signaled the end of outfielder Tommy Pham’s time with the team. Many assumed Pham, who has struggled mightily this season, had finally been designated for assignment.
However, those fans appeared to miss one key detail: The Pirates were down an outfielder after Bryan Reynolds exited in the second inning of Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. He left to join his wife for the birth of their third child and was subsequently placed on the paternity list, which allows for an absence of up to three days. As a result, Reynolds is expected to miss the remainder of the Detroit series.
So no, Pham isn’t going anywhere just yet. But you can’t really fault fans for their wishful thinking.
As Stumpf cheekily reminded fans online: “You guys do remember that an outfielder left in the second inning yesterday to go on paternity leave, right?”
Pirates recall Billy Cook; Bryan Reynolds placed on paternity list
Cook, ranked as Pittsburgh’s No. 18 prospect by MLB Pipeline, has been red-hot at the plate for Indianapolis. In June, he’s batting .442 with a .529 OBP, and his 22 hits lead the International League. Overall this season, Cook has slashed .271/.353/.335 with 11 doubles, 20 RBI, and no home runs in 61 games.
He made his MLB debut with the Pirates last September after being acquired in a trade from the Orioles, hitting .224 with three homers and eight RBI in 16 games.
Cook brings a right-handed bat and defensive flexibility to the big-league club. He can play all three outfield spots and has also logged 12 starts at first base this season for Indianapolis.
So hang in there, Pirates fans. Pham and his struggling .196 average are still around — for now. But if Cook continues swinging a hot bat, he may just force the team to make a tough roster decision when Reynolds returns.
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