What's Happening?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made roster changes ahead of their series opener against the Chicago Cubs. The team recalled left-handed pitcher Evan Sisk and right-handed pitcher Colin Holderman from Triple-A Indianapolis. In a corresponding move, the Pirates designated left-handed pitcher Ryan Borucki for assignment. This decision follows the team's recent struggles, including a five-game losing streak. Sisk, a rookie reliever, was acquired from Kansas City at the trade deadline and has appeared in five games with a 1.69 ERA. Holderman, who last pitched for the Pirates in May, has a 9.00 ERA in 14 relief appearances this season. Borucki, with a career record of 15-12 and a 4.36 ERA, struggled in his final appearance against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Why It's Important?
These roster changes are significant for the Pirates as they attempt to address their recent performance issues and improve their standing in the league. The recall of Sisk and Holderman suggests a strategic shift to bolster the bullpen with fresh arms. Sisk's promising ERA and Holderman's experience could provide the necessary support to stabilize the team's pitching. The designation of Borucki for assignment indicates a move to optimize the roster by removing underperforming players. This could impact the Pirates' ability to compete more effectively in upcoming games, potentially altering their trajectory in the season.
What's Next?
The Pirates will continue their series against the Cubs, with the newly recalled pitchers expected to contribute to the team's efforts to break their losing streak. The team will monitor the performance of Sisk and Holderman closely to assess their impact on the bullpen. Meanwhile, Borucki's future remains uncertain as he awaits potential claims from other teams or a return to the minors. The Pirates' management may consider further roster adjustments depending on the outcomes of the upcoming games and the effectiveness of the current lineup.