Liover Peguero returns to the Pirates lineup vs. the White Sox on July 18, 2025, as the youth movement begins. Bailey Falter starts in a key post-break game.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
On a Friday night at PNC Park with the Chicago White Sox in town, the biggest story for the Pittsburgh Pirates wasn't just about the game on the field. It was about a move that signals the future. In the wake of the All-Star break trade of Adam Frazier, the Pirates officially recalled infielder Liover Peguero from Triple-A Indianapolis, reinforcing the team's commitment to its ongoing youth movement and providing a fresh spark for the second half.
He’s going to see time at all four infield spots. - Manager Don Kelly on Liover Peguero's role.
The post-Adam Frazier era has begun, and Liover Peguero is the first man up. Recalled from Indianapolis, the versatile infielder is back in the bigs after a solid stint in Triple-A where he hit .251 with 14 doubles, five homers, and 36 RBI. Manager Don Kelly has already made it clear that Peguero won't be glued to one spot, planning to use his athleticism across the entire infield. This move isn't just about filling a roster spot; it's a clear strategic pivot, giving a key piece of the future valuable MLB experience as the team builds for long-term success.
While the offense saw a youth injection, the pitching staff offered its own signs of promise. Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.79 ERA) took the mound against Chicago's Jonathan Cannon, tasked with setting the tone for the series. But perhaps the most encouraging news came from the minors, where Johan Oviedo's comeback trail took a significant step forward. After a successful start to his rehab from Tommy John surgery in Low-A, Oviedo has been promoted to Double-A Altoona. His progress is a massive boost for a team looking to build its future around a deep, talented pitching staff.
Tonight's game and roster moves are all part of a larger blueprint. With a 39-58 record, the rest of 2025 is less about a playoff push and more about evaluation and development. The organization is banking on its farm system, with prospects like Bubba Chandler and Hunter Barco headlining a wave of talent that management believes can turn the tide. The consensus is that if this young core continues to develop and is supplemented with smart veteran additions, the Pirates could find themselves in the Wild Card conversation within the next 2-3 seasons. It's a long game, but the pieces are starting to fall into place.
While the win-loss column for 2025 may not be what fans hoped for, the moves being made tell a different story. The focus is squarely on 2026 and beyond. Keep an eye on Peguero's at-bats this weekend against the White Sox and watch for more young talent to get their shot. The future is being built right now, one game, one call-up, and one rehab start at a time.
