PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — The long-awaited move was finally made Wednesday.

The Pittsburgh Pirates called up outfielder Starling Marte from Triple-A Indianapolis. He will join the team Thursday in Houston for a three-game series against the Astros.

Marte had a .286 average with the Indianapolis Indians with a .348 on-base percentage and 12 home runs.

There have been audible cries for general manager Neal Huntington and company to call up Marte for weeks. The Pirates have struggled mightily in the outfield outside of center fielder Andrew McCutchen, both offensively and defensively.

Drew Sutton and Alex Presley have been underwhelming in both areas. Garrett Jones has produced at the plate but isn’t considered to be an extremely strong fielder.

Gorkys Hernandez is a top reserve and is strong with his glove but struggled mightily with the bat in his hands. And finally, opening day starter Jose Tabata is currently working his way through woes in Triple-A.

Marte is a very strong defensive outfielder and has succeeded at the plate at every level of minor league ball. He hit .332 at Double-A Altoona in 2011.

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Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
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Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com