Pirates News: Bullpen game starter revealed, Ryan O'Hearn begins rehab assignment, Isaac Mattson

The Pittsburgh Pirates will turn to their bullpen to get through Wednesday’s matchup against the Chicago White Sox, with right-hander Lake Bachar getting the start.

Bachar will take the mound in the first inning for what will be his ninth start of the season. The 31-year-old has increasingly been used as a multi-inning option, pitching at least two innings in eight of his 11 appearances since the beginning of August. He will likely be asked to cover multiple frames again Wednesday before the Pirates piece together the rest of the game with their relief corps.

Khristian Curtis should be another candidate to provide length. Curtis was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis last week and most recently worked three innings against the Giants on Thursday, allowing two runs on one hit while striking out two and walking three in a Pirates victory. The 24-year-old has been effective in limited major league action this season, posting a 1.64 ERA with seven strikeouts across 11 innings.

With Bachar opening and Curtis available behind him, Pittsburgh will hope its collection of multi-inning arms can navigate Wednesday’s bullpen game without putting too much strain on the rest of the relief unit.

Ryan O'Hearn goes 1-for-3 with a double in first minor league rehab game

Ryan O’Hearn took a significant step toward rejoining the Pirates on Tuesday, beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis as he works his way back from a left quad strain.

O’Hearn batted second and played seven innings at first base, going 1-for-3. He wasted little time making an impact, falling behind former Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin 0-2 before ripping a double to center field in his first at-bat. He later popped out and struck out.

The 32-year-old has been sidelined since injuring his left quad while running to first base July 31 in Cincinnati. The Pirates initially projected a six-to-eight-week absence, but O’Hearn appears on track to return near the front end of that timetable.

O’Hearn hopes to rejoin the Pirates in Chicago on Friday and potentially be activated Saturday during their series against the Cubs. His return would provide a major boost for Pittsburgh’s lineup. In the first season of a two-year, $29 million contract, O’Hearn is batting .270 with 17 home runs and 69 RBI in 96 games.

Pirates place Isaac Mattson on IL, recall Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Indianapolis

The Pirates placed right-handed reliever Isaac Mattson on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to right hip inflammation, with the move retroactive to Sept. 6.

Mattson last pitched Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing three runs on four hits in Pittsburgh’s 6-1 loss. He has appeared in 38 games this season, posting a 5.35 ERA across 38.2 innings.

In a corresponding move, Pittsburgh recalled left-hander Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Indianapolis. Eisert has a 6.23 ERA in nine appearances with the Pirates this season after being acquired from the White Sox in July as part of the trade that also brought infielder Jacob Gonzalez to Pittsburgh.

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