The Pittsburgh Pirates activated right-handed pitcher Vince Velasquez from the 15-day Injured List ahead of Saturday’s game against the Seattle Mariners. To make room on the active roster, right-handed pitcher Duane Underwood Jr. has been designated for assignment.
Velasquez last started on May 4th, when he left after three innings with elbow inflammation. He made one rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis in which he threw 4.2 shutout innings. He had a 4-3, 3.06 record, a 1.16 WHIP and 34 strikeouts over 35.1 innings for the Pirates. He is making the start in today’s game.
Underwood Jr. has made 20 appearances for the 2023 Pirates. He has a 5.18 ERA, a 5.10 FIP, a 1.44 WHIP and a 14:11 SO/BB ratio over 24.1 innings.
The 28-year-old has an 8.44 ERA in the month of May, allowing runs in four of his seven appearances.
Underwood has pitched three seasons for the Pirates, compiling a 4.49 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP over 154.1 innings. He received a $1,025,000 salary this year in his first season of arbitration.
Minor Moves
The Pirates released outfielder Fabricio Macias from Altoona. They also activated RHP Bear Bellomy and LHP Omar Cruz off the development list, sending right handed pitchers Justin Meis and Tahnaj Thomas to the development list.
