Pittsburgh Pirates Transactions: May 8-14

Read on for an overview of the past week’s transactions in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization:

Over this past week, the Pirates made several pitching moves in the organization, including a couple of promotions, though not the promotion(s) that many fans are clamoring for. Additionally, there was a minor trade with the Atlanta Braves and re-balancing of the roster that sees a member of the opening day roster return to the Pirates after spending time in the minors.

May 9 – The Pirates traded Right Fielder Mel Rojas, Jr. to the Atlanta Braves for cash. Rojas had been in extended spring training after being assigned there from Indianapolis (AAA) on May 6. The Braves assigned Rojas to the Mississippi Braves (AA).

May 10 – Indianapolis (AAA) placed Left Handed Pitcher Steven Brault on the 7-day Disabled List with a strained left hamstring. Brault is 1-2 with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP in 6 starts in his first season in AAA.

May 10 – Right Handed Pitcher Frank Duncan is promoted from Altoona (AA) to Indianapolis (AAA). Duncan struck out 5 and only gave up 1 hit over 6 innings in his AAA debut on Friday.

May 10 – Right Handed Pitcher Edgar Santana is promoted from Bradenton (A-Advanced) to Altoona (AA). Santana had a 0.81 ERA and a 0.61 WHIP over 9 appearances and 22.2 innings pitched out of Bradenton’s bullpen this season.

May 13 – The Pirates optioned Left Handed Relief Pitcher Kyle Lobstein to Indianapolis (AAA). This move was made to rebalance the roster, which had been using 8 relievers out of the bullpen and 4 bench spots (whereas 7 and 5 respectively are the norm) for the past month.

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May 13 – The Pirates recalled Second Baseman Cole Figueroa from Indianapolis (AAA). This move was made in conjunction with Lobstein being optioned to rebalance the roster. Figueroa had made the Pirates opening day roster, but had been optioned to Indianapolis on April 22 after starting 0 for 9.