The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up Wilfredo Boscan to make tonight’s start against the San Francisco Giants, per a team press release. They have optioned Curtis Partch down to Indianapolis to make room on the active roster.
The Pirates needed a starter for today, after Juan Nicasio went on the restricted list over the weekend. Boscan was the only option, as Tyler Glasnow was on four days rest, and Chad Kuhl pitched last night. Both pitchers have also struggled lately, with Kuhl leaving pitches up in the zone and getting hit a lot more than normal, and Glasnow having some serious control issues lately.
Boscan is coming off a recent start where he threw six shutout innings, giving up four hits, no walks, and one strikeout. He has done well in Indianapolis this year, working mostly as a starter, and getting a 3.33 ERA in 48.2 innings, with a 33:4 K/BB ratio.
Boscan has pitched 12.1 innings in the majors this year, posting a 2.92 ERA. However, his 5.24 xFIP doesn’t suggest he will have the same success. The key reason for the difference? He’s giving up a lot more walks in the majors (3.65 BB/9), but hasn’t been hurt by that due to a .231 BABIP. Tonight he will need to cut down the walks and pitch more like he has been doing in Triple-A. He’s a ground ball pitcher, and he can’t expect that same luck on BABIP going forward.
Alan Saunders will have more coverage tonight from PNC Park.
