Ryan Doumit Returns From DL For Pirates

Rob Biertempfel of the Trib tweets that Ryan Doumit has returned to the team, with backup catcher Eric Fryer heading back to Class AAA Indianapolis. Doumit had missed a couple months with an ankle injury. When healthy (which, admittedly, is very rarely), his hitting is much better than that of the typical catcher, so hopefully he'll be able to give the offense a boost.

In his absence, Michael McKenry has filled in admirably, particularly on defense, and the Pirates will probably want to continue to give him a fair amount of playing time. But Doumit is a much better hitter. At worst, the Pirates will get to add another competent position player to their roster, and that's something they need badly. I think Fryer would have played well in time, but the Pirates didn't give him many chances.

This is likely to be Doumit's last year with the team - the Pirates have an option on him for 2012 and 2013, but they probably won't exercise it.

For more on the Pirates' roster moves, check out Bucs Dugout.