Report: Pirates have asked about Athletics' Zobrist, other infielders

With half of their infield currently residing on the disabled list, the Pittsburgh Pirates are looking for help.

The Pirates have asked about Oakland Athletics utilityman Ben Zobrist, Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Cliff Pennington, and San Diego Padres shortstop Clint Barmes, according to Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington said last week that he hoped to add a player prior to the non-waiver trade deadline, and that want became a necessity once shortstop Jordy Mercer suffered an MCL sprain that will cause him to miss the next six weeks. The Pirates are also without third baseman Josh Harrison until late August and Pedro Alvarez has struggled at first base.

Pennington and Zobrist are free agents at the end of the season while Barmes, who played in Pittsburgh from 2012-14, has a $2-million team option for 2016.

The Athletics are likely expecting a decent return for Zobrist as his solid offensive numbers and ability to play a number of positions make him an option for a number of clubs. Pennington and Barmes are also capable of playing multiple positions, and are likely to come at a cheaper price than Zobrist.