Pirates promote righty reliever Cam Sanders, option veteran Jose Urquidy in bullpen moves

The Pittsburgh Pirates shook up their bullpen Friday, recalling rookie right-handed reliever Cam Sanders and optioning veteran righty Jose Urquidy to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Sanders, 29, made his main league debut final summer time, posting an 8.10 ERA with 4 strikeouts, 5 walks and two dwelling runs allowed in 6 2/3 innings over six appearances. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder had a 3.00 ERA and 1.83 WHIP with 11 strikeouts in opposition to seven walks in six innings over seven appearances at Indy this season.

“It’s awesome. Just ready to go out there, do my job, fill up the strike zone and let the fellas behind me work,” Sanders stated. “I might simply take away simply be prepared. Never count on to have a straightforward day right here. It’s all the time simply be locked in, be able to work, and do no matter you possibly can that day to get the job finished for the fellas.

The 30-year-old Urquidy was signed to a one-year contract value $1.5 million in a bid for a spot in the beginning rotation. He made the Opening Day roster as an extended reliever however struggled in that function, going 0-1 with an 8.53 ERA, 2.68 WHIP and 6 strikeouts in opposition to two walks in 6 1/3 innings over 5 appearances for the Pirates.

Pirates supervisor Don Kelly stated the plan is for Urquidy, who struggled when pitching on back-to-back days in opposition to the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals this week, to elongate out so he can return to the beginning rotation or be higher ready for a bulk aid function.

“Cam’s been throwing the ball well down there, with a bunch of punchouts. Being able to get him up here in more of a bullpen role where Jose’s used to starting,” Kelly stated. “When we see Jose again down the line, I’m not saying that’s going to be in the rotation but looking to lengthen him out in Indy then get him back up, whether that’s in the bulk or in the rotation up here remains to be seen.”