The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up six players from Indianapolis today. Jeff Locke, Casey Sadler, John Holdzkom, Bobby LaFromboise, and Gregory Polanco were all recalled. They also purchased the contract of Chase d’Arnaud, while designating Michael Martinez for assignment.
Locke, Polanco, and Holdzkom were on optional assignment in Triple-A, and are eligible to return now that the Indianapolis season is over. Locke will be making the start in tonight’s game. Polanco had been losing playing time to Travis Snider before being sent to the minors, due to Polanco’s struggles at the plate. He should get a few starts, but might share time with Andrew Lambo and Snider, when Snider returns from his injury.
Holdzkom was added to the 40-man roster on August 31st, then optioned to Indianapolis. That’s an interesting move, as it makes him eligible for the playoffs. He was signed as a minor league free agent this year out of indy ball, and has been working in the upper 90s with his fastball, while posting strong numbers in Triple-A. It will be interesting to see if his success carries over to the majors.
LaFromboise was claimed off waivers last month, and will give the Pirates a third lefty reliever in the bullpen, with the ability to be a lefty specialist. He has a .699 OPS against lefties in Triple-A this year, and has posted four shutout innings, with two hits, no walks, and four strikeouts since joining Indianapolis.
Casey Sadler getting recalled isn’t a surprise, since he has made several appearances in the majors out of the bullpen this year. I’ve mentioned over the last few days that Chase d’Arnaud could get called up. He hasn’t had good numbers at the plate this year, but can play a lot of different positions, gives value with his base running, and has done well in his career against lefties. He should definitely be a better option than Michael Martinez, who struggled in his time with the Pirates in the majors.
The Pirates’ active roster is now at 34 players.
