As expected, the Pittsburgh Pirates have selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Jose Contreras. To make room, they’ve optioned Jared Hughes to Triple-A.
We heard earlier in the week that Contreras would be added to the roster on Friday. He’s been throwing well in the minors, featuring a nasty fork ball. I talked about the impact Contreras could have in the bullpen in today’s podcast.
It’s a bit of a surprise that Jared Hughes was sent down. He’s been inconsistent this year, so it’s not a surprise from a performance standpoint. It is a surprise that he would go before Vin Mazzaro or Bryan Morris. Especially Morris, since Morris always seems to be the last in and first out when bullpen moves are made.
In the next two weeks the Pirates will be adding Francisco Liriano and Charlie Morton, so there will eventually be other relievers on the move.
There was an open spot on the 40-man roster, so no corresponding move needs to be made for Contreras.
