The Pittsburgh Pirates made a bullpen move before Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees that will affect high-leverage situations, as they now need both a closer and a setup man.
They placed right-handed reliever Colin Holderman on the 15-day injured list with a right knee sprain and recalled righty Chase Shugart from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Holderman had served as the setup man to two-time All-Star closer David Bednar, who was optioned to Indianapolis last week. Holderman posted a 9.64 ERA and 2.14 WHIP in 4 2/3 innings over five appearances this season.
Holderman relieved starter Bailey Falter in the fifth inning of Saturday’s 10-4 loss to the Yankees, hit Aaron Judge with a pitch and struck out Jazz Chisholm Jr. before giving up a bases-clearing double to Anthony Volpe in the six-run inning.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton expressed concern with using Holderman in high-leverage situations following the game.
“That’s the fifth inning today. It wasn’t the seventh and eighth,” Shelton said. “We’re trying to find him a spot maybe earlier in the game to get him going. We’ve got to figure out a way to get him going.”
Shugart, 28, was acquired from the Boston Red Sox on Jan. 17 for right-handed pitcher Matt McShane. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder had a 4.15 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 8 2/3 innings over six appearances for the Red Sox last season. He pitched two scoreless innings at Indianapolis this season, striking out three with two walks and no hits in one game.
