What's Happening?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected the contract of Ryan Harbin from Triple-A Indianapolis, adding him to their 40-man roster. Harbin, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher, progressed from High-A Greensboro
to Triple-A this season. Despite a challenging stint at Indianapolis, where he allowed 17 earned runs in 13.1 innings, Harbin's overall performance included a 4.69 ERA and 92 strikeouts over 63 1/3 innings. His promotion is part of the Pirates' strategy to protect him from becoming a Minor League free agent.
Why It's Important?
Harbin's addition to the 40-man roster is crucial for the Pirates as they aim to retain promising talent within their organization. His high strikeout rate indicates potential value as a future bullpen asset. This move also reflects the Pirates' broader strategy to manage their roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, ensuring they do not lose key prospects to other teams. For Harbin, this promotion represents a significant career milestone and an opportunity to compete for a spot on the Major League roster.
What's Next?
Harbin will likely continue to develop his skills in Triple-A, with the potential to join the Pirates' Major League roster if he demonstrates improvement. The Pirates will monitor his progress closely, especially his control and consistency, to determine his readiness for MLB competition. The team will also continue to evaluate other prospects as they prepare for the upcoming season.
