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Steven Brault should not be on the 25-man roster
Right fielder Gregory Polanco was activated off the injured list on Monday. To make room for him on the roster, the Pirates optioned lefty reliever Steven Brault back to the Triple-A level. Well, Brault’s trip to the minors never even happened.
Before he even left for Indianapolis, Nick Burdi got hurt in Monday night’s loss. After Burdi was placed on the IL, Brault was added back to the 25-man roster.
On Wednesday night, Brault then made his first appearance in a game since April 8th. As one would expect, it did not go well for Brault. In his 2 innings of work Brault allowed a three-run home run to Ketel Marte. He now owns a 10.80 ERA and a 6.86 FIP in 6 2/3 innings pitched this season.
The Pirates have a better long relief option in Nick Kingham, Brault does not throw strikes consistently enough to be a lefty specialist, and right-handed hitters crush him. Right now, Brault serves no purpose on this roster. It is clear that Clint Hurdle does not trust Brault much as he went three weeks without using him.
Brault should not be on the 25-man roster. Clay Holmes, Dovydas Neverauskas, Geoff Hartlieb, and Michael Feliz are all options at Triple-A that would be better suited for the Pirate bullpen then Brault. It is time for the Brault Era in Pittsburgh to end.