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Pirates second baseman Neil Walker hasn't played since April 26, when a cut on his hand required six stitches. The laceration was the result of an incidental spiking by Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma, and now the injury has forced Walker to the 15-day disabled list.
The 27-year-old Walker has a 2013 slash line of .253/.352/.342 in 92 plate appearances, and for his career he owns an OPS+ of 111 across parts of five seasons. While Walker is out, veteran Brandon Inge will continue to man second for Pittsburgh. Inge is batting .321/.345/.357 in very limited action this season, but that's comfortably above his established levels of production.
The move is made retroactive to April 27, so Walker will not be out for the full 15 days. To replace him on the 25-man, the Pirates have recalled infielder Jordy Mercer from Triple-A.
