
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.