Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s journey back to the major leagues from a rehab assignment was anything but straightforward, involving a trade and several trips across the Canadian border.
While recovering from a left knee sprain, Kiner-Falefa was traveling between Toronto and Triple-A Buffalo. He then flew to Worcester, Mass., for a game with the Red Sox’s affiliate before the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired him at Tuesday’s trade deadline.
“Every time I crossed the border, they’d ask, ‘What are you doing?’ I’d say, ‘I play for the Blue Jays — or I used to.’ That explanation helped, but they were still skeptical, asking if I was smuggling something.”
Just when Kiner-Falefa thought his travel difficulties were behind him, the Pirates continued his rehab assignment, sending him to Double-A Altoona, where he went 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored on Friday night.
Kiner-Falefa finally reached what he hopes will be his final destination when he joined the home clubhouse at PNC Park on Saturday afternoon. Activated by the Pirates, he was in the starting lineup at second base for the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“It’s been crazy,” Kiner-Falefa said. “I’m just excited to be back in the big leagues with a great organization and ready to help the team win.”
To make space on the active roster, the Pirates optioned infielder Alika Williams to Triple-A Indianapolis. Before being placed on the injured list on July 2, Kiner-Falefa had a .292/.338/.420 batting line with eight doubles, two triples, seven home runs, and 33 RBIs in 82 games for the Blue Jays.
Having won an AL Gold Glove at third base in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Kiner-Falefa is expected to play primarily at second base, as Nick Gonzales is on the 10-day injured list with a groin strain. This season, Kiner-Falefa played 40 games at second base, 38 at third base, and 15 at shortstop for Toronto.
“His versatility and what he brings to the team is his stability, leadership, and strong offensive performance this year,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “It’s a great acquisition for us.”
