Pittsburgh Pirates Make Multiple Roster Moves

The Pittsburgh Pirates will have a few fresh arms in their depleted bullpen starting tonight

Right now, the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen is short a few arms. Both a large workload in recent days and injury have led to the Pirate bullpen needed reinforcements. Those reinforcements arrived this evening.

Right-handed relievers Edgar Santana and Johnny Barbato were both recalled from Triple-A, as was left-handed reliever Steven Brault. All three of these pitchers have spent time in the Major Leagues this season.

To make room on the 25-man roster the Pittsburgh Pirates optioned Dovydas Neverauskas to Triple-A, placed George Kontos (right groin strain) on the 10-day disabled list, and Joaquin Benoit (left knee inflammation) was also placed on the 10-day disabled list. When rosters expand in 10 days, Neverauskas will return to the Major Leagues.

It broke on Instagram earlier today that Edgar Santana would be rejoining the Pittsburgh Pirates. We also speculated that Steven Brault could be recalled as well. This was due to the Pirates appearing to only have two available relievers, Daniel Hudson and Felipe Rivero, entering tonight’s contest.

You can read more about the work Santana and Brault have done in their brief Major League stints, as well as with the Indianapolis Indians this season here.

As for Johnny Barbato, his first go round in Pittsburgh this year was a disaster. In 22 1/3 innings pitched he averaged a staggering 5.24 BB/9 while allowing 1.61 HR/9. He owned a 4.84 ERA and a 5.95 FIP.

At Triple-A, Barbato was not much better. He has averaged just 2.97 BB/9 at Triple-A this season, however, his home run rate is a very alarming 1.78 HR/9. Furthermore, his 5.14 FIP is not good. If the Pirates were not desperate for relief help right now, Barbato would not have been recalled.

With these roster moves, the Pirates will have at least four relievers available tonight. Clint Hurdle told the media before the game that, if there is a game tonight, Felipe Rivero’s availability is still up in the air.

Next: Bucs Drop Wild 12 Inning Affair vs Dodgers

In 2018 the Pittsburgh Pirates could have a strong bullpen. If this is to happen, Edgar Santana and Steven Brault will both play key roles in that bullpen. It will be exciting to see what they can do for the big club in the next five weeks.