How Can The Pittsburgh Pirates Replace Jameson Taillon?

Right-handed pitcher Drew Hutchison

Drew Hutchison also remains an option for the Pirates. And while it is an option that not many Pirate fans would like, it is one that they just might end up seeing.

When Spring Training began, the final spot in the Pirate rotation appeared to be Drew Hutchison’s to lose. After an abysmal spring, Hutchison would indeed lose that final rotation spot. This led to him beginning the year at Triple-A Indianapolis.

Drew Hutchison has made 6 starts for Indianapolis this year and has pitched 33 2/3 innings in these 6 starts. He is averaging 6.95 K/9, 4.01 BB/9, and 0.80 HR/9. He is generating ground balls at a 47.1 percent rate, while his ERA and FIP Are both 4.28 and his xFIP is 4.42.

For the most part, Drew Hutchison’s struggles from Spring Training have carried over into the regular season. He has continued to struggle with control, while still allowing too many home runs and too much hard contact (18.3 percent line drive rate at Triple-A).

It is unlikely that Drew Hutchison would get the call to the Major Leagues before Steven Brault. Most likely the only way that would happen is if the Pirates needed a starter in a pinch and Hutchison was available while Brault was not.

However, Drew Hutchison is a candidate to replace Jameson Taillon in the Pirate starting rotation.