Prior to Thursday's game against the Cubs, Pirates manager Derek Shelton sung the praises of Jacob Stallings, who is one of the best defensive catchers in baseball.

In fact, the skipper said Stallings should be the leading candidate for the Gold Glove. Entering the series opener, Stallings led all catchers in defensive runs saved with 21.

Stallings is having a career year, ranking fifth among National League backstops in innings caught (766) and fourth among NL catchers with 48 RBIs behind Will Smith (58), J.T. Realmuto (54) and Yadier Molina (51).

“You know where I stand on [the Gold Glove]: He should win it. Statistically, it’s proven,” Shelton said. “By me promoting Stallings, that’s not me taking away from the guys in [National League]. They are elite. If you are a catching nerd, you should come to the National League Central. We have some guys that can really do it. They are elite at it.”

Evans back in Major Leagues

The Pirates recalled infielder/outfielder Phillip Evans from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned right-hander Max Kranick to Indianapolis.

Shelton said he would like to see Evans be more aggressive at the plate. During Evans' last stint earlier this season, the skipper thought he was caught in between in the batter’s box. Before he was sent down, Evans played regularly and hit .208 with five home runs and 16 RBIs.

As for Kranick, he was hit hard in six starts, going 1-3 with a 7.66 ERA.