The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned outfielder Gregory Polanco and right handed pitcher Duke Welker to Indianapolis. The Pirates now have 51 players remaining in camp.
Polanco isn’t a surprise to be optioned, since he was expected to start the season in Triple-A. I’d imagine there might be some discussion whether he should have remained in Pittsburgh. I talked about the reasons why the team would send him down earlier this week. Expect Polanco in the majors in June or July, depending on his progression in Triple-A.
Welker also isn’t a surprise, since the bullpen looks like it will be hard to make. He has one option remaining, meaning this is his final year where he can go back and forth between Triple-A and the majors. I’d expect him to be up at some point this year as depth. Welker is a guy who I like for a full time bullpen role in the future, and he could get that shot in 2015 if he does well in his expected time in the majors this year.
