"He can hit in the two hole, he can hit in the eight hole. He's been in the National League before. He's been a platoon guy, a bench guy, and an everyday guy. He brings a lot of experience to the table and knows how to answer the bell when asked."

Michaels, 32, began the 2008 season with the Indians and tallied nine RBI in 21 games. He made 15 appearances (11 starts) in left field and six appearances (five starts) in right field before being designated for assignment on Tuesday, May 6.

The right-handed hitting Michaels spent the 2006 and 2007 seasons with the Indians, where he batted a combined .268 with 16 homers and 94 RBI in 228 games. He made his major league debut with the Phillies in 2001 and spent parts of five seasons in Philadelphia before being traded to Cleveland on January 27, 2006.

Selected by Philadelphia in the fourth round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft, Michaels made his big league debut on April 6, 2001. In 632 career games in the majors, he has hit .277 with 92 doubles, 37 home runs and 203 RBI.

To make room on the active roster, the Pirates optioned outfielder Nyjer Morgan to Triple-A Indianapolis.