Kevin Newman set to make MLB debut with Pittsburgh Pirates

The former Wildcat earned a call-up Thursday

After 1,600 at-bats in the minor leagues, Kevin Newman will finally get to take a swing in the big leagues.

The former Arizona Wildcat was called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday as he nears his MLB debut.

The Pirates have also selected the contract of INF Kevin Newman from Indianapolis. Jacob Stallings has been optioned to Triple-A & RHP Casey Sadler has been designated for assignment.

— Pirates (@Pirates) August 16, 2018

Newman, who turned 25 earlier this month, is hitting .302/.350/.407 with Triple-A Indianapolis this season with four homers, 35 RBI, 30 doubles, and 28 stolen bases. He has made 83 starts at shortstop, 21 at second base, and three as the designated hitter.

Newman is the No. 6 prospect in the Pirates’ system, per MLB.com. Pittsburgh selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft.

Newman left Arizona after his junior season, in which he hit .370 with two home runs and 36 RBI. He also stole 22 bases and was named to the All-Pac-12 first-team for the third time in his career.

The Pirates face the Cubs on Thursday at 4:05 PT. Pittsburgh is 61-60, six games out of a Wild Card spot.

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