The Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching staff has been a strength for much of the season, but not recently.
The Pirates have been hit hard lately, surrendering 47 runs over their last four games (all losses). The bullpen has been especially bad, allowing 27 of those runs.
On Friday, Pittsburgh announced several roster moves prior to this weekend’s road series against the Chicago Cubs.
The Pirates announced that they have recalled left-handed pitcher Evan Sisk and right-handed pitcher Colin Holderman from Triple-A Indianapolis. In corresponding moves, they optioned right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders to Triple-A and designated left-handed pitcher Ryan Borucki for assignment.
Sisk, a 28-year-old rookie, was acquired from the Kansas City Royals at the MLB Trade Deadline in exchange for Bailey Falter. Pittsburgh also received first base prospect Callan Moss in the deal.
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Sisk made five appearances for the Royals this year, all in losses. He has 11 strikeouts, five walks and a 1.69 ERA in 5 1/3 innings, but he hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since May 27.
Holderman also hasn’t played in an MLB game since May, with his last appearance coming on May 19. The veteran reliever got off to a slow start before being sent down, going 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA and -0.6 WAR in 15 innings.
Sanders was promoted from Triple-A earlier this month and made his MLB debut on Aug. 5. The 28-year-old rookie struggled over his first five appearances, posting a 9.00 ERA, a 6.51 FIP and a 2.20 WHIP.
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Borucki’s struggles date back to last year. Over the last two seasons, he’s 1-3 with a 5.83 ERA and -0.6 WAR in 49 appearances for the Pirates.
Pittsburgh is hoping these moves can strengthen its bullpen against the Cubs’ potent offense, which ranks fourth in MLB in scoring at 5.04 runs per game.
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