5 Josh Harrison 3B

Harrison had his $10.5 million 2019 club option declined by Pittsburgh on Wednesday, making him a free agent, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Harrison received a $1 million buyout due to this move following eight straight seasons in the big leagues with the Pirates. During the 2018 season, he played in just 97 games -- his lowest since 2013 -- hitting .250/.293/.363 with eight home runs, 37 RBI and three stolen bases. The 31-year-old second baseman will look to find a new home this winter, though Harrison may not get enough opportunities on the field to bounce-back to the fantasy production he enjoyed the previous few years.

Harrison is not in the lineup Sunday against the Brewers.

This marks the second game in a row Harrison will watch from the bench as the Pirates continue to ease him back into action following a hamstring injury incurred at the end of August. Adam Frazier will man the keystone in his stead.

Harrison is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Cardinals.

Harrison returned to the lineup Monday for the first time since Aug. 31 due to a nagging hamstring injury, going 1-for-4 with a solo homer. He'll retreat to the bench Tuesday as the Pirates look to ease him back into action. The veteran second baseman could continue to cede starts to rookies Kevin Newman and Kevin Kramer down the stretch as he continues to monitor his balky hamstring. Kramer is starting at the keystone in this one.

Harrison went 1-for-4 with his eighth homer in Monday's loss to the Cardinals.

Coming off a nagging hamstring injury, Harrison was making his first start in September. Harrison figures to serve in a timeshare with Adam Frazier at second base and possibly in right field, as his hamstring allows. It's doubtful Pittsburgh picks up his 2019 option, however, so there's a chance he could cede some playing time to younger players.

Harrison remains out of the lineup Friday against the Marlins.

Harrison sits for the sixth straight contest, and he's possibly still battling the hamstring woes which caused him to miss several games in late August. Kevin Kramer will make his first career start at second base.