58 Jacob Stallings C

While Stallings' defensive prowess is the reason he's set to serve as Pittsburgh's primary catcher, he's also hit for a decent batting average with Triple-A Indianapolis in recent seasons, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

The 30-year-old batted .291 (in 523 at-bats) over his last three minor-league campaigns with nine homers and two steals, and slashed .262/.325/.382 with five doubles, six home runs and 13 RBI in 210 plate appearances last season with Pittsburgh. Stallings led all major-league catchers in DRS per inning (minimum 450 innings), finishing with an overall plus-14 DRS in 463.1 innings played. He spent the offseason strengthening the back that bothered him last summer and hit .300 in 20 Grapefruit League at-bats. His top priority remains his defense, but he's shown an ability to hit for a higher batting average than he posted in 2019.

Stallings went 2-for-2 with a double and an HBP against the Yankees on Monday.

The 30-year-old is expected to serve as Pittsburgh's primary catcher in 2020. He saw his first sustained action last season, slashing .262/.322/.410 with six homers in 309 plate appearances. Primarily known for his defensive skills behind the plate, Stallings has batted .291 (in 523 at-bats) over his last three minor-league campaigns with nine homers and two steals.

Stallings will sit Saturday against the Reds.

Stallings sits after starting five of the last seven games behind the plate. Steve Baron will catch James Marvel on Saturday.

Stallings (back) returns to the lineup Friday against Milwaukee.

Back tightness had kept Stallings off the field since last Friday. He'll bat seventh and start behind the plate Friday, catching Steven Brault.

Stallings (back) is not in Thursday's lineup against the Mariners.

It sounds like the Pirates are hoping to have Stallings back for this weekend's series against the Brewers. Elias Diaz is starting behind the dish and hitting fifth.

Stallings (back) is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mariners.

Stallings sat out the last three games because of his injury, and it looks like he will miss another contest unless he sees action off the bench. Elias Diaz will make his fifth straight start behind the plate Wednesday.

Stallings (back) isn't in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Mariners.

Stallings is set to miss his fourth straight game due to back tightness. Elias Diaz draws another start behind the dish and will hit fifth.

Stallings (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Stallings will remain on the bench for the third straight contest as he battles back tightness. Elias Diaz will start behind the plate and bat fifth Sunday.

Stallings is unavailable Saturday against the Cubs due to back tightness, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

With two healthy catchers (Elias Diaz and Steve Baron) on the active roster, the Pirates may play it safe and hold Stallings out for the rest of this series and also take advantage of Monday's off day. Diaz will start at catcher and hit eighth.

Stallings is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Cubs.

Stallings went 2-for-4 with a solo homer Thursday and will receive a breather Friday afternoon. Elias Diaz will start behind the plate and bat eighth in the series opener.

Stallings went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's victory over the Giants.

Stallings tacked on a key insurance run in the seventh inning with a solo homer to left, and Pittsburgh would come away with a 4-2 victory. The 29-year-old backstop has left the yard in two of his last three contests, though he sits with just six homers and 12 RBI over 64 games in 2019.

Stallings went 2-for-3 with a home run against the Giants on Monday.

He's seen the bulk of starts behind home plate over the past month, but mostly because of his defensive skills. General manager Neal Huntington has said that improving the catching position for 2020 is one of his main concerns, meaning that Stallings may not see another year-over-year bump in playing time. He's slashing .268/.339/.389 with five homers in 175 plate appearances.

Stallings is not in the lineup Saturday against the Cardinals.

Stallings has been moving into a starting role behind the plate in Pittsburgh, starting six of the last nine games prior to Saturday's contest. Elias Diaz gets will start in his place on this occasion.

Stallings is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies.

Stallings went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a walk Saturday but will head to the bench in the series finale. Elias Diaz takes over behind the plate for Pittsburgh.

Stallings is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rockies.

Stallings started the last two contests and will take a maintenance day Friday. Elias Diaz starts behind the plate for the Pirates.

Stallings isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phillies.

Stallings will head to the bench after going 0-for-4 with a walk and a run scored Monday evening in the series opener. Elias Diaz is set to handle the catching duties and hit seventh with Stallings out of the mix.

Stallings is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.

Stallings started the first two games of the series and went 2-for-6 with two runs scored and walk, so he'll take a seat for the finale. Elias Diaz will start behind the plate in his place.

Stallings is not in Thursday's lineup against the Nationals.

Elias Diaz (head) returns behind the plate and will bat eighth. In related news, Francisco Cervelli (concussion) was released by the Pirates earlier in the day, so it is officially Stallings and Diaz's show behind the plate going forward.

Stallings is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Nationals.

Stallings battled a migraine early last week but returned to start two of the Pirates' three games against the Cubs, including Sunday's 7-1 loss in the MLB Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pa. Though Stallings appears to have secured the top spot on the Pirates' depth chart at catcher, he'll cede a turn behind the plate to Elias Diaz in the series opener.

Stallings is not in Saturday's lineup against the Cubs.

He dealt with a migraine earlier in the week but was able to catch Friday's game. Elias Diaz will start behind the dish, hitting seventh.