The Pittsburgh Pirates have released Jose Contreras. The right-hander was with Indianapolis, and was performing well. He had given up just one earned run in 16.1 innings with the Indians since being sent down from the majors. He also had a 19:5 K/BB ratio.
My guess is that they released him to give him an opportunity to sign elsewhere where he could play in the majors. The Pirates don’t really have a spot in their bullpen for Contreras. They’ve got Jared Hughes making his way back from the disabled list. I heard from a few people that his stuff looked filthy last night in Altoona. But there isn’t even room for Hughes in the majors. And if the Pirates need to turn to their bullpen depth, Hughes, Vic Black, and Duke Welker would probably all be picked ahead of Contreras.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Contreras lands with another team and ends up back in the majors soon.
As a corresponding move, Atahualpa Severino has been reinstated from the Temporary Inactive List.
