Pittsburgh Pirates: Pitcher Casey Sadler Promoted to AAA

The Pittsburgh Pirates promoted Casey Sadler from Double-A to Triple-A last night according to Sean McCool of Pirates Prospects.  The former starter is working his way back in the minors after a long lay off.

Just a few days ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates promoted Brandon Cumpton to Triple-A.  Cumpton at one time looked like he was going to fill a spot for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  However, Tommy-John surgery set him back for almost two years.  Well, another pitcher who had a very similar situation is working his way back in Casey Sadler.

2014-2015

Casey Sadler made his début with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2014 as a relief pitcher.  He then made his first big league start in 2015.  He also earned his first major league win in that same start.  However, Sadler was quickly optioned back to Triple-A.  He made 13 total starts for Triple-A Indianapolis, and eventually was put on the disabled list with elbow soreness.  He missed the rest of the 2015 season, and then it was finally revealed that Sadler underwent Tommy-John Surgery in October of that same year.

2017

Sadler went on to miss the entire 2016 season, and he did not return to game action until May of this year.  He started the year in Bradenton, and he pitched as a one inning reliever.  He did very well in his six games there, posting a 0.75 ERA.  Sadler was moved up to Indianapolis and was used as a reliever, making eight appearances.  Sadler struggled, pitching to a 5.23 ERA.  He was sent down to Altoona to work on more things.  Once again, Sadler was used as a reliever in his first four appearances.  However, he then was given an opportunity to start again, making six starts for the Curve.  He made 6 starts for the Curve.  All in all, he posted 3.91 ERA for the Curve in his 10 outings, not bad for a player that has not started in years.  Sadler is now being sent back up to Indianapolis.

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Like Cumpton, Sadler was viewed as potential pitching depth for the Bucs entering 2016.  Although he was never heralded as a top prospect, Sadler has put together a solid minor league career.  If anything he would have been an interesting spot starter and long relief option.  He still could provide that in the future, now that he is starting once again.  With roster expanding in September, it is very likely Glasnow will be promoted out of Triple-A.  Sadler will likely replace him in the rotation.