Pirates should've optioned these 2 pitchers instead of Chase Shugart, Evan Sisk

The future of the Pirates' starting rotation is thrilling right now as key arm Johan Oviedo was rightfully promoted again and now Bubba Chandler is getting a taste of the big leagues. While that news is great for the long-term plans of the starting rotation, the moves to correspond with all of this were a complete failure.

First of all, Evan Sisk was optioned to make room for Oviedo. With Oviedo joining the rotation, why option the young reliever that came back for Bailey Falter? He had mixed results and definitely deserved more runway.

A funky southpaw that has a future with this team should have definitely stayed on the roster. Instead, Colin Holderman stayed up, who the Pirates obviously want to figure out since he does have good pitches, but his command is completely gone.

Prior to being promoted, Holderman had still not done well, posting a 5.51 ERA and 4.91 FIP in Triple-A. So instead of having him continue to figure things out in a low-pressure environment, Pittsburgh brought him back up and he allowed runs in each outing so far.

Pirates should have kept Evan Sisk and Chase Shugart on the active roster

Additionally, Shugart was sent down following the final game against Toronto. This is going to be the move to get Chandler up in the bullpen. Shugart has done well when healthy for the Pirates all season and he has posted a 3.50 ERA through 43 2/3 innings. He has a future in Pittsburgh, so optioning him is pointless.

Instead, Yohan Ramirez should have been sent down. He has generated a 5.95 ERA with a 3.67 FIP. He has had plenty of stints with the Pirates in the past, so seeing him struggle again after signing a minor league deal just doesn't make sense for this team. Sure, his strikeout numbers are solid, but overall he is inconsistent.

Sisk and Shugart are two of the main arms that should be getting innings in Pittsburgh right now as the team prepares for 2026. Holderman and Ramirez, on the other hand, are better options to be sent down to figure out their concerning issues. Hopefully the Pirates make meaningful changes when rosters expand on Sept. 1 because this was definitely the wrong call.