The Pittsburgh Pirates signed right-handed pitcher Beau Sulser to a minor league deal on Thursday, adding him to the Double-A Altoona roster.
Sulser was originally drafted by the Pirates in the tenth round of the 2017 draft, and made it to the Majors briefly in 2022. He was later designated for assignment and claimed by the Baltimore Orioles, where he also pitched in the majors. In ten games between the two clubs, Sulser had a 3.63 ERA in 22.1 innings, with a 19:9 K/BB.
This is the fourth time Sulser has been a member of the Pirates’ organization. They claimed him back from the Orioles in the 2022 offseason, then outrighted him to Triple-A. He requested his release, and that was granted. Sulser returned as a minor league free agent in 2023, serving as depth for Altoona and Indianapolis last year in the second half. He elected free agency, and signed this year in May with Toronto. Sulser was released from the Toronto system on August 6th.
Sulser had a 5.29 ERA in 47.2 innings in Triple-A this year, with a 37:13 K/BB. He made eight starts in the process. Altoona has been short on pitching depth lately, after several promotions to Indianapolis.
To make room for Sulser, the Pirates transferred catcher Eli Wilson from the Altoona roster to the development list. Wilson has been a depth option throughout the system this year, but only has 59 plate appearances combined between Bradenton, Altoona, and Indianapolis.
In other transactions, the Pirates activated outfielder Andrew Patrick to the Bradenton roster on Wednesday. Drafted in the 17th round this year, Patrick made his pro debut on Wednesdat night, going 0-for-2 with two walks. He hit .244/.373/.488 with eight homers in his junior year at Wright State.
