Pittsburgh Pirates rookie outfielder Ji Hwan Bae (ankle) took ground balls on Wednesday and is playing catch. The Pirates expect that he will begin a minor-league rehab assignment when the team returns from its West-Coast road trip. The 23-year-old was injured on July 1 and was hitting only .238 (51-for-214) with two home runs, nine doubles, 19 RBI and 37 runs scored in 239 plate appearances and 76 games, but he's also stolen 20 bases. Barring a setback with his sprained left ankle, Bae should be back with the Pirates in early August. Because of his speed alone, he deserves to remain stashed in deeper fantasy leagues.

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Ji Hwan Bae (ankle) is available off the bench for Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Bae suffered a minor ankle injury during Friday's contest. The Pirates will give him an additional day off on Saturday to recover. However, Bae could come off the bench to bat or pinch-run if needed. The 23-year-old is hitting .244 with two home runs and nine RBI with 14 stolen bases in 24 games. He should be back in the lineup within the next few days.

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Ji-Hwan Bae has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday. The 23-year-old is hitting .289/.362/.430 with eight home runs and 30 stolen bases in Triple-A this season. Clearly, Bae is ready for the next level and his ability to play multiple positions should be an asset. While in the minors, Bae played second base, third base, shortstop, center field and left field. The expectation is that Bae will have regular playing time down the stretch of the season in Pittsburgh. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should take a look at him.