The Pittsburgh Pirates essentially wrote off their nearly $5 million investment in underperforming second baseman Aki Iwamura by designating their highest-paid player for assignment on Wednesday. The move cleared a 25-man roster spot for top prospect Pedro Alvarez, who was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to start at third base.

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PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Pirates gave up on waiting for second baseman Aki Iwamura to break out of a season-long slump, benching their highest-paid player and replacing him with former first round draft pick Neil Walker.

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Since being told that he had lost his job as the team's starting second baseman, Aki Iwamura has put together quality plate appearances more consistently than he did when playing every day.

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So where will Aki Iwamura rank in the pantheon of pitiful Pittsburgh Pirates pickups?

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PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates gave up on waiting for second baseman Aki Iwamura to break out of a season-long slump, benching their highest-paid player and replacing him with former first round draft pick Neil Walker.

What are your opinions.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are benching second baseman Aki Iwamura, their highest-paid player, and one of baseball’s worst-performing hitters.

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