The Pittsburgh Pirates recently called up Phil Irwin to provide the team with bullpen depth over the last two games, with the rest of the bullpen needing a break. Then, Charlie Morton and Gerrit Cole threw back-to-back eight inning starts, giving the bullpen the break they needed.
Bill Brink reports that Irwin will be optioned back to Triple-A, and that a corresponding move will be announced later.
#Pirates are optioning RHP Phil Irwin back to Indianapolis after starters went deep past two games. No corresponding move yet.
— Bill Brink (@Bill_Brink2) May 7, 2014
The Pirates are off tomorrow, so I’d expect the corresponding move to take place on Friday. I wouldn’t be surprised if the move is to add another hitter to the bench. Andrew Lambo would have been the top option, but he was placed on the DL today with a bruised thumb. The other options on the 40-man roster are Jaff Decker, Chris McGuiness, Brent Morel, and Gregory Polanco. I’d be shocked if Polanco was the choice. Considering the Pirates have seen struggles in right field, and have resorted to playing Josh Harrison there a few times in the last week, my money would be on Decker.