Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
COLE WON’T BE UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR EARLY CALLUP
If Wandy Rodriguez heads to the DL, who do the Pirates turn to? The most logical option is Jeanmar Gomez if Wandy only misses a start or two.
The Pirates other immediate options are Kyle McPherson (0-0, 9.00 ERA), Phil Irwin (1-0, 1.50 ERA) or Andrew Oliver (0-0, 0.00 ERA) in Indianapolis. All three are on the 40-man roster.
McPherson was a front runner this winter to earn the No. 5 spot in the rotation but struggled in spring training and the Pirates staff is said to have soured on him. In one start with Triple-A Indy, McPherson allowed 4 hits and 3 runs. Confidence wise it might be best to leave him in Indy.
Irwin is 1-0 with one start for Triple-A Indy, allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run in 6 innings pitched. Irwin has 5 strikeouts and 1 walk.
Oliver pitched 6 shutout innings vs Columbus on April 4th.
One player who won’t be under consideration is top prospect Gerrit Cole (0-1, 6.75 ERA) who the Pirates don’t intend to call up until June.
