The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Isaac Mattson, while designating Jake Woodford for assignment on Thursday night. Woodford has previously joined the team to provide pitching depth in the form of a spot start, which he made on Wednesday.
Mattson was signed by the Pirates as a minor league free agent this past December. He started his season in the Altoona bullpen, but quickly moved up after a 3.27 ERA in 11 innings, with a 13:5 K/BB ratio. He’s continued pitching well with Indianapolis. Mattson has a 3.15 ERA in 60 innings, with a 76:33 K/BB.
He uses a four-seam/slider approach, with swing and miss capability from both. The fastball sits 94-95 MPH, touching 96-97. The slider sits mid-80s, with 30 inches of vertical break.
This is a deserved shot for Mattson. He’s previously made four appearances in the Majors in 2021 with Baltimore, putting up a 6.23 ERA. He’s taken a step forward, based on his minor league results, and should get a few looks in the Majors before the season is finished.
–Down in the minors, the Pirates transferred RHP Thomas Harrington to the Development List. Harrington made what is likely his final start of the season on Wednesday.
–Indianapolis activated RHP Fineas Del Bonta-Smith, giving them added relief depth down the stretch.
