Tag: Jen Langosch

Pirates reliever Evan Meek was named to his first All-Star game today. Meek's 0.98 ERA is the best in baseball among pitchers with 40+ innings.

The Pirates removed Charlie Morton from the disabled list and formally optioned him to Triple-A. Morton made five rehab starts with Indianapolis while on the disabled list.

The Pirates have signed two more draft picks, 25th rounder Casey Sadler and 36th rounder James Archibald. Both are right-handed pitchers.

The Pirates promoted closer Daniel Moskos and outfielder Alex Presley to Triple-A Indianapolis yesterday. Starting pitcher Trent Stevenson was also promoted from the Gulf Coast League to State College of the short season New York-Penn League.

Tony Sanchez will have surgery to repair two fractures in his jaw. He will be out indefinitely, and is expected to miss much of the season.

Zach Duke will skip his scheduled start Tuesday due to mild elbow stiffness. The injury is considered to be minor.

The Pirates signed two draft picks today, Tyler Waldron (RHP - 5th round) and Vincent Payne (RHP - 12th round).

Pirates' president Frank Coonelly announced today that general manager Neal Huntington and manager John Russell had their contracts extended through 2011 this past offseason. This information had not been made public previously.

To make room for Pedro Alvarez, the Pirates designated Aki Iwamura for assignment today.

The Pirates designated reliever Jack Taschner for assignment tonight, and optioned Jeff Clement to Triple-A Indianapolis. Taschner will be replaced by Brad Lincoln, but the second roster move will not be announced until Wednesday. There are unconfirmed rumblings that Jose Tabata will be the one promoted to Pittsburgh.

According to John Russell, Neil Walker will receive the majority of playing time at second base moving forward. This pushes Aki Iwamura to the bench. With Iwamura out of the lineup, Andrew McCutchen has moved back to the leadoff spot.

Jen Langosch reports that Brian Burres will remain in the rotation and Jeff Karstens will move to the bullpen when Ross Ohlendorf returns from the disabled list on Monday.