Earlier in the day, it was announced that Matt Hague would be joining the Pittsburgh Pirates in St Louis to take the place of Starling Marte, who was placed on the Bereavement List. To make room on the 40-man roster for Hague, the Pirates designated right-handed relief pitcher Duke Welker for assignment.
Welker had Tommy John surgery back in early June, so he will be out until sometime next season. He was pitching at Indianapolis this season, making nine appearances before being injured in early May. A month later, he had the surgery to end his season. Because he won’t pitch until mid-season next year, it’s highly unlikely someone picks up Welker, so the Pirates make this roster move without the risk of losing someone.