Lambo hit .236 with 11 home runs and 58 RBI in 2011 playing for the Double-A Altoona Curve and the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. He missed most of 2012 with a wrist injury.[4]
Lambo hit for the cycle on April 8, 2013, the first cycle in Altoona Curve history.[5] After he hit .284 with 24 doubles, 5 triples, 31 home runs and 97 RBI in 117 games split between Altoona and Indianapolis, the Pirates announced on August 12, 2013, that Lambo would be called up to Major League Baseball for the first time on August 13.[6] He was optioned back to Indianapolis on August 18, and recalled on August 24. On September 28, 2013, Lambo hit his first and only career home run, a pinch-hit home run in the 6th inning against Cincinnati Reds pitcher Logan Ondrusek, the 6th home run hit by the Pirates that day.[7] After the season, Lambo earned the organization's Minor League Player of the Year award after his 32 home runs ranked fourth among all minor league players.[8] Lambo played winter baseball in Venezuela and played first base to prepare for the upcoming season.[9]
Oakland Athletics
Lambo was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics on November 6, 2015. He made the Athletics' Opening Day roster. In June 2016, Lambo was diagnosed with testicular cancer.[10] He underwent surgical treatment, after which he made a full recovery.[11] On October 6, 2016, Lambo was outrighted off of the 40-man roster and elected free agency on October 9.[12] Lambo was resigned to a minor league contract for 2017. He played just 12 games with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds before landing on the disabled list with an injured wrist. Though cleared to play, he was released by the Athletics on May 14, 2017.[11]
