Pirates replace injured Bailey Falter, promote pitcher for PIT debut in major roster shuffle

Along with the Pirates' brutal loss to the Mets on a blown call, Pittsburgh also lost a solid starting pitcher in Bailey Falter. He was removed in the third inning of the game after experiencing discomfort in his left posterior arm. Although he had a poor month of June, Falter has been one of the Pirates' most consistent arms in the rotation all season.

This season, Falter has a 4-7 record with an earned run average of 4.08 in 90.1 innings pitched and has struck out 61 batters. Opponents are batting just .237 against him, and his WHIP is at 1.20. Falter bounced back from being a DFA candidate to become a solid arm in the rotation. Unfortunately, he now must be replaced.

Who will replace Bailey Falter on the Pirates?

The Pirates have decided to select the contract of Brent Honeywell, a right-handed veteran who has been with the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate all season, to initially replace Falter on staff. In 31 relief appearances this season, Honeywell has a 1-3 record with an earned run average of 4.85 in 39 innings pitched and has struck out 33 batters. Opponents are batting .243 against him and his WHIP sits at a 1.36. He also added seven saves out of the Indianapolis bullpen. The first time he appears will represent his debut with the Pirates.

Honeywell brings a unique pitch to the table. He has a screwball that brings 45.6 inches of downward movement. Opponents have an expected bating average of .245 and an expected slugging percentage of .306 against it. His fastball has not been great, carrying an expected batting average of .300. His changeup is a good pitch for him, with an expected batting average of .149 against it.

Honeywell was not on the 40-man roster, so the Pirates had to designate Justin Bruihl for assignment in order to complete the elevation. Bruihl pitched in seven games with the Pirates and posted a 9.43 earned run average and had a 1.76 WHIP; no big loss there.

Henry Davis has been optioned to Indianapolis after completing his rehab assignment.

On the back half of this roster shuffle, Henry Davis, who suffered a concussion and was on a rehab assignment with the Altoona Curve before being re-evaluated, was officially demoted as his assignment wrapped. Since restarting his rehab in Indianapolis, Davis has a .455 batting average with two doubles and two runs batted in. His rehab has ended, and the Pirates have optioned him to Indianapolis so he can get consistent playing time in the minror leagues.