The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned relief pitcher Wilfredo Boscan to Triple-A Indianapolis. No corresponding roster move will be announced until after the all-star break. Boscan, 25, was called up from Indianapois on Sunday after the Pirates and Cardinals went 14 innings on Saturday night. He was brought in as help for the beleaguered bullpen, but the manager Clint Hurdle ended up not calling on the young Venezuelan despite starting pitcher Francisco Liriano only going 6 1/3 ... Read More
Gerrit Cole named to All-Star Game
In his third year, many thought that this would be the year that Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole would have his breakout season. The 24-year-old 2011 Pirates first-round pick hasn't disappointed, as he's put up ace-like numbers for the Pirates. It isn't just Pittsburgh noticing, either, as Cole has been named to his first All-Star game. After his start on Sunday, the California native has a 2.28 ERA, which is good for eighth best in baseball. Those in front of him include Chris Archer, Zack ... Read More
Andrew McCutchen named to All-Star game
For the fifth straight season, Pirates outfielder and former MVP Andrew McCutchen has been named to the National League All-Star team. On the season, McCutchen his hitting .296/.390/.493 with 10 home runs and 49 RBI despite a slow start to the season with a leg injury. McCutchen ranks first on the team in on-base percentage and slugging, while his .296 average is second on the team to only Francisco Cervelli. McCutchen is a combined 2-8 in his four All-Star appearances, which includes ... Read More
Bell, Diaz to represent Pirates at MLB Futures Game
A pair of Pittsburgh Pirates minor-leaguers will represent the organization at the 2015 MLB All-Star Futures Game. The game, part of the MLB All-Star Game festivities, will be held at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sunday, July 12. Representing the Buccos will be Indianapolis Indians catcher Elias Diaz and Altoona Curve first baseman Josh Bell. Diaz, 24, is batting .281 with 11 doubles and 25 RBI in 57 games with the triple-A Indians. He has also caught 9-of-31 base ... Read More
“Mark and Cheese” Take to the Big Apple
Jason Grilli and Mark Melancon are the first bullpen duo to make the All-Star game from Pittsburgh in the history of the Midsummer Classic. That’s 83 years without this happening. It goes to show you how important the back end of the bullpen, also known by fans as “Mark and Cheese”, has been for the Bucs this season. Jason Grilli’s numbers have been solid in his first year as closer for the Pirates going 29 of 30 in save opportunities while holding a 1.99 ERA in 40 2/3 innings (9 ER). He has ... Read More
Melancon Named 2013 All-Star
BREAKING: MLB has announced Mark Melancon as a 2013 NL All-Star Melancon has been stellar in his first year as a Pirate as he has only allowed four earned runs in 44 1/3 innings of work (0.81 ERA). He has also struck out 46 batters while only walking four. This will be the first All-Star appearance for Melancon, joining fellow Shark Tank member, Jason Grilli in that category. The two have helped lead the Pirates pen to one of the best bullpen ERA’s in the majors with a 2.76 ERA, trailing ... Read More