Cervelli out at least 4-6 weeks with broken hand

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be without Francisco Cervelli for at least four-to-six weeks after the club's starting catcher underwent surgery Saturday to repair a broken hamate bone in his left hand.

Cervelli was removed from Friday's game against the Cardinals after appearing to injure his hand during the first swing of his fourth-inning at-bat. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list after tests revealed the broken bone.

To help offset the loss of Cervelli, the injury-ridden Pirates announced Saturday they've acquired catcher Erik Kratz from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations. The move reunites Kratz with the team he debuted for as a 30-year-old rookie in 2010, and marks the fourth organization he's been a part of this season.

Cervelli has struggled after a breakout 2015 campaign, when he posted a .771 OPS with career highs in games played, homers, and RBIs. The 30-year-old catcher is slashing .257/.373/.293 with just five extra-base hits across 201 plate appearances.

Cervelli's injury came just one inning after the Pirates removed right-hander Gerrit Cole from his start because of triceps tightness in his throwing arm. The Pirates ace is expected to undergo an MRI on Saturday to determine whether he'll be placed on the DL.