Pittsburgh Pirates Activate Chris Stratton From The 10-Day IL

The Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen got an arm back from the injured list on Tuesday

Prior to the start of their two-game series against the Detroit Tigers, the Pittsburgh Pirates have made a roster move. On Tuesday afternoon, the team activated right-handed reliever Chris Stratton from the 10-day injured list. Stratton had been on the IL since May 25th with a side strain.

Stratton was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in early May after the Angels designated him for assignment. While Stratton can start games or work out of the bullpen, the Pirates used him solely as a reliever before he hit the IL.

Prior to going on the IL Stratton pitched in four games for the Pirates. In these four games he owned a 5.40 ERA and a 5.10 FIP. In 8 1/3 innings pitched he allowed 12 hits, 5 runs, two home runs, he walked two, and he struck out eight. However, 4 of the 5 runs he was charged with and both of the home runs he allowed came in one disastrous 8th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Stratton made two appearances for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians during his rehab assignment. He allowed 4 runs, 2 earned, on seven hits, a walk, a home run, and four strikeouts in 4 innings of work for Indy.

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Clint Hurdle uses Stratton. He could give the Pirates length out of the bullpen, he could be used as a spot starter, and he could even be given some 1 inning assignments. Especially if the rest of the middle relief corp continues to struggle to find any sort of consistency.

To make room for Stratton on the active roster, fellow reliever Yefry Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A. Ramirez was just promoted on Sunday, but did not pitch. He was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles on Memorial Day after being designated for assignment.