The Pittsburgh Pirates made a roster move on Tuesday, placing catcher Joey Bart on the 10-day injured list due to a left foot infection and recalling Endy Rodriguez from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill the void behind the plate.
The unexpected injury creates another setback for Bart, who has dealt with various health issues throughout his career with the Pirates. The left foot infection requires immediate attention and will sideline the 29-year-old catcher for at least the next 10 days as he undergoes treatment.
Joey Bart's Season and Injury History
Bart has been sharing catching duties with Henry Davis for the Pirates in 2026. The former second overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants has experienced multiple trips to the injured list throughout his career, including previous stints for hamstring strains, concussions, and thumb injuries.
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate as Bart was working to establish consistency at the plate. Earlier this season, he had shown flashes of offensive production, but the foot infection will halt his progress temporarily. The Pirates will need to monitor his recovery closely before determining a timeline for his return to action.
Endy Rodriguez Gets the Call
Endy Rodriguez returns to the major league roster after beginning the 2026 season at Triple-A Indianapolis. The 25-year-old catcher has been working his way back from elbow issues that plagued him in recent years, including Tommy John surgery in 2024 and ulnar nerve transposition surgery in August 2025.
Rodriguez impressed during spring training earlier this year, posting a .977 OPS across 30 plate appearances, but the Pirates opted to send him to Triple-A to get regular playing time and continue his development. His recall provides the organization with additional catching depth alongside Davis while Bart recovers.
Impact on Pirates Catching Situation
With Bart sidelined, the Pirates will likely rely heavily on Henry Davis as the primary catcher. Rodriguez's versatility allows him to play both catcher and first base, giving manager Derek Shelton flexibility with his lineup construction during Bart's absence.
Rodriguez made his major league debut in July 2023 and has shown promise as both an offensive threat and capable defender behind the plate. The Pirates view him as a long-term piece of their catching corps, and this opportunity could provide valuable experience as he continues his development at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
The Pirates will monitor Bart's recovery from the foot infection over the coming days. Infections can be unpredictable in terms of healing timelines, so the team will take a cautious approach to ensure he's fully healthy before returning to game action.
For Rodriguez, this recall represents another chance to prove he belongs at the major league level. His performance during this stint could influence the Pirates' future roster decisions, particularly as they evaluate their catching depth for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The Pirates will continue their season with Rodriguez now available to contribute behind the plate, providing insurance as Bart works through his recovery process. Fans will be watching closely to see how the young catcher performs in his return to Pittsburgh.
Sources & Original Reporting
