Pittsburgh Pirates: Bryse Wilson Activated & More

Prior to the start of Saturday afternoon’s game the Pittsburgh Pirates activated Bryse Wilson to start the game, as well as trading Anthony Banda

Friday night it was reported that Bryse Wilson would start for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon. Prior to the start of Saturday’s game the Pirates recalled Wilson, and optioned lefty reliever Aaron Fletcher to Triple-A to make room for Wilson on the roster.

Optioning Fletcher was a bit of a surprise. The expectation was that Cam Vieaux would be optioned. This is due to Vieaux throwing 50+ pitches in the 8th inning last night. Derek Shelton allowing that to happen was absolutely reckless, dangerous and will make him unavailable for at least three or four days.

Wilson has made 9 appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season, with 6 of them being starts. He has pitched 33.2 innings in these 9 outings, posting an 8.29 ERA and a 5.65 FIP. He’s walked 9.2% of batters faced and struck out just 16.6% of batters faced.

Giving Wilson another start is a questionable decision. Not only has Wilson struggled mightily in the majors this season, he has also expressed that he is more comfortable pitching out of the bullpen. Yet, here we are, with Wilson making another start.

In addition to recalling Wilson, the Pittsburgh Pirates also traded Anthony Banda on Saturday. After designating him for assignment last week, Banda has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations.

This will create a new opportunity for Banda. Outside of the hits allowed, Banda had pitched better than his overall numbers this season.

In 19.2 innings pitched this season Banda posted a 6.41 ERA and a 3.79 FIP. He walked 5.1% of batters faced, struck out 24.1% of batters faced, allowed a whopping 34 hits and 3 home runs in his 19.2 innings pitched.