This Pirates Rookie Reliever Tried Something New Vs. Brewers

Getting to the major leagues is hard. Sticking there is even harder. Especially as a relief pitcher.

Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Michael Darrell-Hicks found that out the hard way earlier this season after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels. He posted a 9.39 ERA in his first 7 2/3 major league innings with the Angels.

The Pirates recalled Darrell-Hicks from the Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday and pitched two scoreless innings in the Pirates’ 9-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Two scoreless innings in a blowout loss are hardly eye-catching, but the righty made a tweak to his arsenal that might elevate his game.

Previously, the rookie’s arsenal had been entirely east to west. He used a sinker that moved to the arm side, a sweeper that broke to the glove side, and a cutter that split the difference. Before Tuesday’s outing, that arsenal had returned just 13 whiffs on 158 pitches.

On Tuesday, Darrell-Hicks added a pitch to his arsenal when he unveiled a four-seam fastball. He threw his new fastball seven times, all of which he commanded to the upper part of the zone. Hitters whiffed on three of the seven, fouled off one and grounded out on another.

Adding a four-seam fastball doesn’t vault the rookie into elite reliever conversation. It is an additional tool in his toolshed, though. He won’t be pitching high-leverage innings any time soon with David Bednar, Dennis Santana and Isaac Mattson pitching exceptionally. He could even be sent back to Indianapolis if the team needs a fresh arm.

Still, it’s a small win for the Pirates’ pitching development. They claimed a pitcher off waivers, worked with him in the minor leagues, and implemented a change at the major league level that seemingly paid off. It might not last. Now that it’s in the scouting report, hitters might be more prepared for it. For Darrell-Hicks, though, it’s a step towards becoming a major league pitcher, and that’s no small thing.

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