Pittsburgh Pirates News: Dillon Peters Headed to the Injured List

According to the team’s official transaction page, the Pittsburgh Pirates have placed left-handed pitcher Dillon Peters on the injured list

For most of the first two months of the season the bullpen has been a strength for the Pittsburgh Pirates. A big part of this successful bullpen work has been what lefty Dillon Peters has been able to contribute.

Unfortunately, it appears that the Pittsburgh Pirates may now be without Peters for some time. According to the team’s official transaction page, the lefty has been placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to June 3rd.

Peters has pitched in 16 games for the Pirates this season. 12 of these appearances have been as a reliever, while he’s also made 4 outings as a starter/opener. In 25.2 innings pitched across these 16 appearances, Peters has posted a 3.86 ERA, 3.88 FIP, and he has allowed just 1 home run (0.35 HR/9). Despite a 15.4% walk rate, Peters has struck batters out at a 20.2% rate.

Peters joined the Pittsburgh Pirates when he was claimed off waivers on July 19th of last season. In 52.1 innings pitched as a Pirate, Peter has posted a strong 3.78 ERA, 3.77 FIP, 0.52 HR/9 and a 20% strikeout rate.

Losing Peters could be a decently big blow to the Pirate pitching staff. His flexibility has allowed Derek Shelton to use him in numerous roles this season, with Peters finding success in each of these roles. Peters has been able to start/open, get left-handed hitters out in big situations, and give the Pirates length out of the bullpen. That kind of versatility is very valuable to have on your pitching staff. It also leaves Anthony Banda as the lone lefty currently in the Pirate bullpen.

The question now becomes what will the corresponding move be? Theoretically, Heath Hembree could return from his IL stint to replace Peters, but there has been little buzz about Hembree being anywhere close to returning.

Aaron Fletcher is on the 40-man roster and also a left-handed pitcher, so recalling him may be the most likely move. The Pirates could also look to re-add lefty Cam Alldred to the 40-man roster and the active roster, this is the move I would like to see, as well. If the Pirates are looking for another pitcher to give them length out of the bullpen then recalling Bryse Wilson could be an option as well.