Pittsburgh Pirates Make Collection of Moves Ahead of Doubleheader

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced a few moves Monday morning prior to their doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds.

As the Pittsburgh Pirates get ready to face off with the Reds in a doubleheader thanks to a rainout back in their opening series in March, the team has made a few moves.

To start, RHP Richard Rodriguez has been added to the active roster as the 26th man for the doubleheader. Rodriguez was optioned to AAA Indianapolis ten days ago after sporting a 5.49 ERA in 22 appearances, getting taken deep eight times in just 19.2 innings pitched out of the bullpen.

The Pirates also decided to option RHP Dovydas Neverauskas to AAA. Taking his spot will be RHP Alex McRae. Neverauskas pitched to a 18.90 ERA in five games out of the bullpen.

Additionally, to make room on the 40-man roster for McRae, OF Corey Dickerson has been transferred from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL. The selection of McRae’s contract makes him the 42nd different Pirate to be on the active roster, the most in the league. Meanwhile, Dickerson is still eligible to return next week.

McRae made two appearances for the Pirates last season in early August, allowing four runs in 6.1 innings pitched. As a starter with Indianapolis this season, the 26-year old has a 5.18 ERA in nine starts to go along with 44 strikeouts in 48.2 innings pitched.

With the long-anticipated debut of top prospect RHP Mitch Keller coming in the nightcap of today’s doubleheader, the Pirates still need to activate him, presumably upon the conclusion of the first game.

Lastly, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted that RHP Keone Kela is present in the Pirates clubhouse. Kela has been on the IL since May 8th due to right elbow inflammation. The five-year veteran pitched 11.2 innings out of the bullpen prior to his injury, and largely struggled to the tune of a 4.63 ERA.

Despite his results to this point, Kela would be a great addition to a bullpen that’s been overworked lately, lacking any stability outside of LHPs Felipe Vazquez, Francisco Liriano, and RHP Kyle Crick.