It turns out the Ryan Vogelsong start that will occur Wednesday night is not the only change to be announced in the past 24 hours.
A.J. Schugel, a right-handed pitcher, has been called up to the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Indianapolis Indians, the team’s Triple-A affiliate. To allow for Schugel to get called up, Michael Morse was designated for assignment.
Schugel does have major league experience as he was called up on April 12, 2015 with the Arizona Diamondbacks when Gerald Laird went on the disabled list.
He initially was claimed off waivers this off-season by the Seattle Mariners but was DFA’d and acquired by the Pirates.
Schugel was among the final cuts in Spring Training and allowed three runs in 10 innings of work.
Morse was acquired in a trade to the Miami Marlins, which is perhaps best known for ending Jose Tabata’s Pirates career.
He had 14 hits in Spring Training, but was unable to see significant playing time this season.
First base was supposed to be a platoon situation with John Jaso joining Morse, but the Pirates signed several utility-type players such as David Freese who left the right-handed batter without a place to play.
Morse appeared in six games this season and took eight at-bats without registering a hit.
Also, Pedro Florimon, who was designated for assignment and a final cut in Spring Training, has cleared waivers. This means he has 72 hours to determine if he will accept a return assignment with the Indians.
John Holdzkom has also cleared unconditional release waivers and has become a free agent.
