Duke Welker has been released by Pittsburgh after being DFA’d last week, according to the MLB transactions page. After getting off to a tough start this season, Welker underwent Tommy John surgery last month.
Welker had a 4.91 ERA with 11 walks in 11 innings with Indianapolis this season. Welker posted an ERA under three for back to back seasons in 2011 and 2012 with Bradenton, Altoona and Indianapolis. In 2013, Welker struggled a bit with a 3.57 ERA. While he had 65 strikeouts in 63 innings, he also walked 31 hitters and allowed 53 hits.
In addition, Jaff Decker has been optioned to Indianapolis. In five major league at bats, Decker has not picked up a hit and struck out three times.
In 71 games with Indianapolis, Decker has hit .266 with four home runs and 21 doubles, while posting a .785 OPS.
