Eldred got injured in the first week of the 2006 season, and was unable to play for the rest of the year. After a strong Spring Training in 2007, in which he began playing the outfield to increase his versatility, he was added to the Pirates' opening day roster. However, he was demoted to Indianapolis on May 20. He was briefly recalled in mid-June, but spent only one day on the roster before returning to the minor leagues.
