Pirates Make ‘Tough’ DFA Call In Pitching Reset

The Pittsburgh Pirates shuffled their pitching staff Friday in search of stability.

Manager Don Kelly acknowledged the challenge after a difficult stretch for his arms, noting the club entered the day with MLB’s second-worst ERA in August at 7.37. “We have to make some changes,” Kelly said, as transcribed by Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

That process started with a series of roster moves. Left-hander Evan Sisk and right-hander Colin Holderman were recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, while Cam Sanders was optioned down and veteran Ryan Borucki was designated for assignment. Kelly called the Borucki decision “always tough,” adding, “He gave so much to the Pirates. But we’re excited to have Holdy and Sisk back.”

Sisk, one of two pitchers acquired from the Kansas City Royals in last month’s Bailey Falter trade, made his big-league debut earlier this year. The 28-year-old allowed one run in 5⅓ innings across five appearances before being optioned. In Triple-A, he owns a 4.76 ERA across 36 outings split between Omaha and Indianapolis.

“I’m pretty excited to be here,” Sisk said. “The Pirates took a chance on me at the deadline. I’m ready to get going.”

Holderman, a familiar name in Pittsburgh, has battled injuries and inconsistency. He went 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in 15 innings earlier this season before being optioned, though last year he logged 55 appearances with a 3.16 ERA.

Beyond bullpen roles, the Pirates are still working through who will start Sunday’s series finale in Chicago.

Kelly said the staff is weighing options with Andrew Heaney’s turn approaching, but a change could be in play.

“We’re still tackling all of that,” Kelly said. “I’ll announce that as soon as we can.”

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