Pirates' Walker comes off DL

May 13, 2013 - 5:48 PM Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Pirates reinstated second baseman Neil Walker from the 15-day disabled list on Monday.

Walker had been sidelined since late April with a laceration on his right hand. He went 5-for-12 in four games during a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona.

Prior to landing on the DL, Walker was batting .253 with eight RBI through 23 games.

To clear a roster spot for Walker, the Pirates optioned infielder Jordy Mercer to Triple-A Indianapolis. Mercer clubbed three homers while starting eight of the last nine games at second base.