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How Can The Pittsburgh Pirates Replace Jameson Taillon?

By Marty Leap

Apr 22, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at PNC Park. The Yankees won 11-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at PNC Park. The Yankees won 11-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Steven Brault (43) throws a pitch during the first inning of a MLB spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Steven Brault (43) throws a pitch during the first inning of a MLB spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Left-handed pitcher Steven Brault

Another possibility is left-handed starting pitcher Steven Brault. Currently, Brault is in the rotation at Triple-A Indianapolis. This comes after he spent Spring Training competing for a spot in the Pirate rotation.

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In 2016 Steven Brault appeared in 8 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, which included 7 starts. In 33 1/3 innings pitched he averaged 7.83 K/9, 4.59 BB/9, and 1.35 HR/9. Due to control and home run issues, he finished with a 5.07 FIP and a 4.77 xFIP. But he did generate a 45.1 percent ground ball rate.

At Triple-A this season, Brault’s control issues have continued. In 30 2/3 innings pitched he is averaging 4.40 BB/9. However, his strikeout rate (9.10 K/9) is strong and he has not allowed very many long balls (0.88 HR/9). He is also generate ground balls at a very strong rate of 53.6 percent.

All of this has resulted in Steven Brault posting a 3.52 ERA, 4.16 FIP, and 3.95 xFIP at Triple-A this season. In my opinion, Steven Brault is the best internal option for the Pirates to replace Jameson Taillon. Hopefully, he makes his return to the Major Leagues soon. Out of the internal options to replace Taillon, Brault has the best stuff and highest ceiling.

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