Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates brought back an old friend to bolster the bench, and he made an immediate impact. Utility player Sean Rodri

guez’s leadoff home run in the bottom of the 12th inning Sunday gave the Pirates a 5-4 victory against the San Diego Padres. He joined the team before the game after being acquired from the Atlanta Braves a day earlier in a trade for a minor leaguer.

Rodriguez spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Pirates. He then signed a two-year, $11.25 million contract with the Braves in the offseason as a free agent but missed the first half of this season after injuring his left shoulder Jan. 28 in an automobile accident in his native Miami.

“I anticipate getting him on the field and him being able to spot up in a number of different places, not just in the field but at the plate,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “I’m looking forward to the energy and edge he brings.”

Right- handed reliever

George Kontos was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants. The 32-year-old began his career with the New York Yankees in 2011 but spent the last six seasons with the Giants, posting a 3.05 ERA in 300 games.

Right- handed reliever Jhan Marinez was designated for assignment despite notching a 3.18 ERA in 24 games.

“He is our captain. He is our leader. He is the St. Louis Cardinals.” Second baseman Kolten Wong on catcher Yadier Molina