The Pittsburgh Pirates have suspended right-handed pitchers Luis Escobar and Yeudy Garcia for violating club policies according to the Altoona Curve. The Curve just clinched a playoff spot tonight and the suspensions were announced after the game. Pitchers Elvis Escobar and Blake Weiman have been promoted to take their place. It doesn’t appear at this time that either suspended player will be back this season.
Luis Escobar just had his best start for Altoona, allowing two runs over 6.1 innings back on Wednesday. In seven starts since being promoted from Bradenton, he had a 4.54 ERA in 35.2 innings.
Garcia has a 5.23 ERA in 53.1 innings over 37 appearances, all in relief. This is his second year pitching in Altoona with similar overall results, though he has been picking up more strikeouts this season.
Elvis Escobar has been pitching in relief for West Virginia since June 29th. The Pirates decided back on June 1st to convert him to a pitcher after they saw him hit 94 MPH during a mop-up appearance. It was also evident at that time that he wasn’t going to make it as an outfielder in the system with this being his last year before minor league free agency. He has been up to 95 MPH now and has a breaking ball that has been getting excellent results. In 15 appearances, Escobar has a 2.08 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP in 26 innings, with 28 strikeouts.
Weiman began the year with West Virginia and dominated, but the results haven’t been as strong in Bradenton until a recent run. In his last 16 innings, he’s given up two runs, with no walks and 17 strikeouts.
