There are 52 games to go and there has been modest roster movement since the deadline.
From a position player standpoint since the deadline, the Pittsburgh Pirates have released Yoshi Tsutsugo and Jake Marisnick, promoted Tucupita Marcano, swapped Cal Mitchell for Rodolfo Castro, and claimed Jose Godoy after a brief stay by Taylor Davis following Tyler Heineman’s placement on the injured list.
Indianapolis has been handled much the same recently. The Pirates claimed Kevin Padlo and Drew Maggi to assign them in Triple-A, brought Brendt Citta back from Altoona, and had promoted Mike Jarvis all the way from Greensboro to Indianapolis after only 12 games in High-A.
Then in Altoona even after the recent promotion of Endy Rodriguez, the Curve only had three bench players Tuesday night. Altoona will likely see the return of Lolo Sanchez and Nick Gonzales soon, since both are currently in the midst of rehab assignments in the lower levels.
It’s hard to say if there will be many more promotions in the near future as there are few prospects whose production warrants such a move. There may be some movement of organizational players like Claudio Finol — who has to have quite the stockpile of frequent flyer miles over the last two seasons.
Barring any injuries that may pop up, the types of moves we’re likely to see the rest of the season will probably mimic the Rodolfo Castro promotion to replace Cal Mitchell. Players with options that are moveable for players with options.
Pirates @ Diamondbacks
Time: 8:40 PM EST
Pirates Starter: Mitch Keller (3-8, 4.21)
Diamondbacks Starter: Madison Bumgarner (6-10, 3.96)
Keller Notes: There isn’t much more to say about Mitch Keller than what has already been said lately of how much better he’s been. Keller managed to only strikeout one batter in his last start through six innings, but he was able to keep the ball on the ground with 54.2% groundballs. His sinker is still his most thrown pitch generally, but has ticked down gradually throwing it only 27.6% in his previous start. One aspect that may be worth watching is his curveball usage. He threw the pitch second most for 26.4% of the time against the Baltimore Orioles, which was the first time he’d thrown it more than the Slider since June 19th.
LINEUPS:
Pirates
coming soon…
Diamondbacks
1. Jake McCarthy (L) LF
2. Alek Thomas (L) CF
3. Ketel Marte (S) 2B
4. C. Walker (R) 1B
5. Daulton Varsho (L) RF
6. E. Rivera (R) 3B
7. Seth Beer (L) DH
8. Carson Kelly (R) C
9. Geraldo Perdomo (S) SS
