Pittsburgh (KDKA)- When the Pirates open a 3-game series with St. Louis on Friday, the Pirates could have as many as 4 new players on the roster.

Following todays 3-1 loss to Cincinnati, backup infielder Pedro Ciriaco was packing his bags in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ locker room, which means he’s headed back to Indianapolis.

In all likelihood, Ronny Cedeno will return from his injury rehab with Indianapolis.

In his rehab work, Cedeno was 4-for-15 with a double and a triple.

Here are the other players that could be with the Pirates on Friday night:
Catcher Jason Jaramillo- If he returns, Eric Fryer will be sent back to Indianapolis. Jaramillo had been on the disabled list for over a month, recovering from an elbow injury.

Infielder Steve Pearce- Would provide Clint Hurdle a right-handed hitting option, which is badly needed. The Bucs will have to decide whether to send Josh Harrison or Chase d’Arnaud back to the minors.

Relief pitcher Jason Grilli- He’ll officially join the bullpen Friday and will be a 6th or 7th inning pitcher. It appears as though Chris Leroux will be the odd man out.

3rd baseman Pedro Alvarez- The million dollar question is when will GM Neal Huntington decide Alvarez is ready to return. With the way the offense is performing, I’d have Alvarez in the lineup Friday night. Either Harrison or d’Arnaud will be gone when Alvarez is recalled.