The Pittsburgh Pirates added right-handed pitcher Chase De Jong to the 40-man roster and recalled him ahead of Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. To make room on the 28-man roster, Roansy Contreras has been optioned to Indianapolis. To make room on the 40-man roster, Luis Oviedo has been designated for assignment.
De Jong pitched the first seven innings of a no-hitter last week. He has pitched since then, getting limited to two innings in what was likely a move to preserve him for this call, though he threw 46 pitches in that limited time. He pitched for the Pirates last year, posting a 5.77 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP in nine starts and 43.2 innings pitched.
As was expected, Contreras returned to Indianapolis so he can get stretched out as a starter, which was the original plan before Duane Underwood Jr got hurt two weeks ago. Contreras had a bit of a rough outing in his first game with the Pirates, but his last two performances were strong, with one run over six innings and ten strikeouts. He has been kept on a five-day schedule the entire time and should start in Indianapolis on Sunday.
Oviedo was hurt to start the year, and he has not had control of his pitches in three rehab games since returning. The Pirates are designating him for assignment at a good time, as he has plenty of upside, but he hasn’t shown anything this year, which could allow him to sneak through and remain in Altoona.
