Dario Agrazal returns to action tonight with Bradenton, making a rehab start for the Marauders. The 23-year-old right-hander, who was added to the Pittsburgh Pirates 40-man roster this off-season, hasn’t pitched since May 24th due to a right shoulder strain. In his first seven outings with the Altoona Curve this season, he had a 1.30 ERA in 41.2 innings. In his final two starts, he gave up ten earned runs over ten innings.
The Pirates made some promotions last night, sending right-handed pitcher Jacob Webb to Bristol and right-handed pitcher Will Gardner to Morgantown. To make room for those moves, pitcher Juan Henriquez was sent from Morgantown to the GCL.
Webb was a 19th round draft pick last year out of high school, who turned 19 years old last month. He hasn’t pitched that much due to an elbow injury last year that required minor surgery and a shoulder impingement earlier this year during his rehab. In four appearances in the GCL, he has allowed two runs over 4.2 innings, with five walks and four strikeouts. Webb has been hitting 94 MPH fairly consistently this spring and during recent outings.
The 22-year-old Gardner was drafted in the 21st round this year out of Carson-Newman University. Bristol isn’t a good placement for a college senior, but not only did he go to college in Tennessee, he was also born there, so Bristol was like playing for a hometown team. He moves on the Morgantown now after giving up one run over 11 innings in eight relief appearances. He walked eight batters, but only allowed five hits and he picked up 15 strikeouts, so he was tough on the opposition.
Juan Henriquez is getting demoted two levels, although it’s important to note that he was signed as an international free agent last July, so Morgantown was a very aggressive first level. The Pirates challenged him because he’s 21 years old, but even at that age it’s a tough first assignment for an international player. In 15.2 innings, he had a 4.70 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP and 14 strikeouts.
If any other minor moves come up today, we will add them here later.
