Pittsburgh Pirates News: Steven Brault Shut Down with Strained Left Shoulder

Another injury has struck the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen as Steven Brault gets shut down due to a strained left shoulder

Less than 24 hours after the news broke that reliever Clay Holmes would miss up to six weeks of action with a right foot fracture, it was announced that Steven Brault would also be missing from the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen for at least two weeks.

The official timetable for Brault’s return is uncertain. He will be reevaluated in two weeks to determine when he will be able to start throwing again.

Brault went 4-6 as a starter last season with a 5.16 ERA. He tossed 113.1 innings and struck out 100 in those appearances. He also posted a WHIP of 1.50 and a WAR of 1.3.

While his stats may not be very appealing, Brault stepped up for the Pirates last season as they were struggling to find someone to fill a spot in the rotation. Brault would be heading back to the bullpen this season and would definitely be seen as a great left-handed addition. Hopefully, he can get healthy sooner rather than later and fulfill his role in the bullpen.

This news now means that there will be another open spot in the bullpen, and two spots will need to be filled. The recent injuries almost ensure that Michael Feliz will have a spot. The bullpen will now most likely consist of Keone Kela, Kyle Crick, Nick Burdi, Richard Rodriguez, Chris Stratton, Edgar Santana, Robbie Erlin, and then Feliz would most likely be added in. Chad Kuhl will also be someone to keep an eye on, as he could find himself in the bullpen as the season rolls around.

With the recent injuries of Holmes and Brault, the Pirates’ pitching situation has just become even more of a question mark. That being said, Opening Day is less than a month away so the questions will need to be answered fast.