Pirates Recall Bryan Morris, DFA Chris Leroux

Bryan Morris was recalled by the Pirates today from AAA Indianapolis

The Pirates have recalled RHP Bryan Morris from Triple-A Indianapolis and designated RHP Chris Leroux  for assignment.
Morris will be active for tonight’s game vs. Cincinnati, and will wear uniform #29.

Morris made two appearances with Indianapolis and picked up two saves while pitching 3.0 hitless innings with two strikeouts.
You might recall Morris made five appearances for the Pirates last September and posted a 1.80 ERA (5.0ip/2h/2r/1er/2bb/6so).

The 26-year-old Morris went 1-0 with one save and a 5.14 ERA in seven spring training appearances (7.0ip/3h/4r/4er/5bb/4so) with the Pirates.

We expected Leroux to be a much better pitcher. But the right-hander did not pitch well in the spring and had a meltdown recently against the Arizona Diamondbacks, issuing three walks – which probably made it very difficult for the Bucs to receive anything on the trade market for the right-hander.

Leroux pitched very well in the World Baseball Classic as a starter, but the starting role is not one the Pirates ever granted him in the Majors.

When Leroux pitched against the Orioles this spring it was evident something wasn’t quite right. Here’s that post:

The Pittsburgh Pirates needed a starter after Jeff Karstens was scratched due to soreness in his right shoulder. Chris Leroux has always made it known he wants to be a starter in the big leagues. So in what we thought was a power move that would make Captain Karl proud, the Bucs gave him the opportunity against the Baltimore Orioles.

Unfortunately, Leroux was able to only get one Orioles batter out.

Here is what it looked like for the 29 year old under 76 degree skies and a 17 miles per hour wind blowing out to left field:

Alexi Casilla singled and then moved to second base on a passed ball by Russell Martin that looked like a mix up in signs between him and 6’6″ Leroux.

Pedro Alvarez‘s roommate Ryan Flaherty walked. Which started what seemed like some conversation between Martin and homeplate umpire Chad Fairchild.

Nolan Reimold reached on an attempted force attempt by Alvarez which also allowed Casilla to score. Starling Marte also had a throwing error on a play that brought back memories of old.

Wilson Betemit doubled. Jason Pride grounded out for the only out that Leroux would record on the day.

Trayvon Robinson singled and Betemit scored. Lew Ford replaced Robinson on the basepaths. After Leroux issued a walk to Travis Ishikawa, Ray Searage came out of the dugout to deliver a pep talk to the Bucs righty.

Taylor Teagarden hit a line drive single to load the bases and soon it was obvious that Martin didn’t like what Fairchild considered a strikezone. Martin argued so intently that Fairchild ejected him from the game. Lucas May donned the catching gear and replaced Martin.

(It’s pretty easy for the Buccos pitching staff to fall in love with a catcher with that much passion. Impressive stuff.)

On Leroux’s next pitch, Clint Robinson hit a grand slam.

It was the last pitch Leroux would make on the day. Five hits, eight runs, seven earned and two walks.