Dejan Kovacevic mentions that Evan Meek could go on the disabled list tomorrow, allowing the right hander to regain strength in his right shoulder. Kovacevic adds that Daniel Moskos could be a favorite to take Meek’s place on the 25-man roster.
Meek came in to the season as the number two bullpen option, behind Joel Hanrahan. He has struggled this year, dealing with a virus, and has allowed five runs in eight innings, with an 8:5 K/BB ratio. Chris Resop and Jose Veras have stepped up in his absence. Resop has a 1.26 ERA in 14.1 innings after tonight, with a 16:5 K/BB ratio. Veras has a 3.48 ERA in 10.1 innings, with a very impressive 17:3 K/BB ratio.
The success of Resop and Veras means the Pirates don’t have to rely on Meek. It also means they can put a young player in a low-pressure situation, pitching out of the middle innings. Here is a list of the candidates who would be ideal replacements:
Daniel Moskos – Kovacevic mentions Moskos could be the favorite, and for good reason. The left hander currently has a 1.69 ERA in 10.2 innings, with a 7:1 K/BB ratio. He’s also on the 40-man roster.
Tony Watson – Like Moskos, Watson is on the 40-man roster, and off to a good start. In 13.1 innings, the left hander has a 2.70 ERA, with a 12:6 K/BB ratio.
Chris Leroux – If the Pirates want to give Moskos and Watson more time in AAA, Leroux could be an option. He throws in the mid-90s, but has struggled with his results, with a 5.25 ERA in 12 innings, along with a 12:9 K/BB ratio. He’s on the 40-man roster, probably only due to his velocity.
Tim Wood – The Pirates do have an open spot on the 40-man roster, so a guy like Wood could be added, which allows for Moskos and Watson to spend more time in AAA. Wood got off to a rough start in his 2011 debut, allowing three runs in an inning of work, with a walk and a strikeout. Since then he has allowed one run in 8.1 innings, with a 9:1 K/BB ratio. He’s been throwing in the mid-90s, and touching 97-98. With the open roster spot, this could be a good time to see what the Pirates have with him.
