Pittsburgh Pirates Place Richard Rodriguez On Paternity List

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 01: Richard Rodriguez #48 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 01, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 01: Richard Rodriguez #48 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 01, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates made a roster move impacting their bullpen before the start of Saturday’s game

Minus a blip earlier this season, Richard Rodriguez has been a key member of the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen since early last season. However, the team will be without Rodriguez for the next few days. This is due to Rodriguez being placed on paternity leave.

Right-handed pitcher Parker Markel has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to replace Rodriguez on the Pirate 25-man roster. Markel was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on July 27th. This came after he was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners.

In 47 1/3 innings pitched this season Rodriguez owns a 3.23 ERA and a 5.37 FIP for the Pirates. His 1.71 HR/9 is ugly, but he has allowed just one home run since Memorial Day. It was on Memorial Day that Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A after being optioned out due to his struggles.

As for Markel, since joining the Pirate organization he has pitched 3 innings for Triple-A Indianapolis. In these 3 innings of work he has not allowed hit, not walked a batter, he’s hit a batter, and has struck out five. It was good to see Markel not walk anyone with Indy, as control has always been his biggest issue.

Markel walked four batters, hit a batter, and threw a wild pitched in 4 2/3 innings pitched for Seattle this season. At Triple-A with the Mariners this season he owned a 17.7% walk rate in 27 2/3 innings pitched. Markel returned to pitching for a MLB franchise this season after pitching in the independent league in 2017 and 2018.

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This is likely to be a short stint with the Pirates for Markel. Barring something crazy happening, when Rodriguez returns from paternity leave Markel is likely to be the odd man out. That said, this could be an audition for Markel with the Pirates for future opportunities with the team.