Pittsburgh Pirates: Predicting the Next Roster Moves
By Marty Leap
Duane Underwood Jr. activated off the COVID IL, Austin Brice optioned to the minors
Duane Underwood Jr. is currently on the COVID IL. When a player returns from the COVID IL they must be put back on the 40-man roster. However, as was mentioned with Newman, the Pirates have open spots on their 40-man roster. Due to this, the lone move that would be needed to activate Underwood Jr. is to option a pitcher to the minors, look for this pitcher to be Austin Brice.
This was actually the second IL stint of the season for Underwood Jr. He also hit the IL after suffering an injury on Opening Day against the St. Louis Cardinals. These IL stints have slowed down what looked like could have been a breakout season for Underwood Jr. who has seen an uptick in stuff this season.
Underwood Jr. has pitched 17 innings for the Pirates, posting a 4.24 ERA and a 2.16 FIP. He has not allowed a home run, walked 9.6% of batters faced and has struck out 26.0% of opposing batters. Underwood Jr. has limited opposing batters to an average exit velocity of 85.7 MPH, league average is 88.4 MPH, and a 2.1% barrel rate, league average is 6.7%. So, Underwood Jr., when healthy, certainly has looked like a pitcher turning a corner this season.
Do not let Underwood Jr.’s ERA fool you, he has pitched well this season. Getting him back in the fold should be a big boost for Derek Shelton’s bullpen. The Pirates could have used Underwood Jr. in any of their past four games, and if they would have had him they likely would not have gone 0-4 in those games.