Pirates Make Roster Moves Ahead Of Saturday’s Game

Following Friday night’s 5-4 walk-off victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, the Pittsburgh Pirates made some changes to the active roster.

The team added right-handed pitcher Isaac Mattson to the roster and designated left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz for assignment in a corresponding move. Brett Sullivan is also with the team, likely to take the place of catcher Endy Rodriguez. No official move has been made yet, but Don Kelly says he expects Rodriguez to hit the injured list.

Mattson, a right-handed pitcher, has appeared in three games for Pittsburgh this season, allowing one run and striking out four in three innings. Mattson will be a fresh arm in a bullpen that used four relievers in last night’s game. His primary pitch is a four-seam fastball that’s flashed excellent swing-and-miss ability in the minor leagues, although it hasn’t quite translated to the major leagues in short stints.

Wentz will be exposed to waivers and available for other teams to claim. The lefty has a 4.15 ERA over 26 innings this season. Strike throwing has been an issue for Wentz. He’s walked 9.6% of the hitters he’s faced this season.

Sullivan is 31 years old and has played in 40 major league games with the San Diego Padres. The left-handed hitter is a career .206 hitter over 103 plate appearances over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The Pirates acquired Sullivan earlier this year from the Padres in a depth move when Endy Rodriguez was placed on the injured list with a hand injury.

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