Pirates Activate George Kontos off the Disabled List

The Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen got one of their best relievers back from the disabled list on Thursday afternoon

On Thursday afternoon the Pittsburgh Pirates activated right-handed reliever George Kontos from the disabled list. Kontos was placed on the 10-day disabled list on August 22 with a groin injury suffered while warming up in the bullpen the weekend prior.

The Pirates claimed George Kontos off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on August 5. This came after the Giants placed Kontos on irrevocable waivers after he was claimed on waivers by a division rival. Sounds familiar, eh?

On the season, George Kontos has allowed 54 hits and 9 home runs in 56 1/3 innings pitched. He is averaging 9.85 K/9, 2.86 BB/9, and he is generating ground balls at a 48.1 percent rate. Kontos owns a 3.65 ERA, 3.96 FIP, and a 3.48 xFIP this season.

After joining the Pirates George Kontos pitched 5 innings before going on the disabled list. He allowed just two hits, he walked a batter, and he struck out seven. The lone run he allowed came when he allowed a solo home run to Travis Shaw of the Milwaukee Brewers on August 16.

Now that George Kontos has returned from the disabled list he should play a prominent role in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ bullpen the rest of season. He will team with A.J. Schugel, Daniel Hudson, and Dovydas Neverauskas to be the team’s primary set up men looking to get the lead to Felipe Rivero in games.

Moving forward, George Kontos will be a big part of the Pirate bullpen. He is under team control through the 2019 season and that is a big reason why Neal Huntington claimed him off waivers. Next season he will be one of Clint Hurdle‘s go to relievers in high leverage situations.

Next: An Emerging Relief Prospect

Tonight at 7:05 the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Chicago Cubs in the final game of their four-game series. Jameson Taillon will look to pitch the Pirates to a series victory, while Jon Lester will look to help the Cubs secure a series split.