To say that the Pirates’ bullpen is a mess might be the understatement of the year.
Just ten games and a week and a half into their season, their closer David Bednar is no longer on the roster. Having allowed three earned runs in as many appearances (but only recording three total outs), Bednar was on the hook for two losses and has since been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, a shocker of a decision by the club.
Their eighth inning set up man is also no longer on the roster. Colin Holderman, who was once an aptly named reliever, has allowed five earned runs in 4.2 innings. He is now on the 15-day Injured List.
Ryan Borucki, who got off to a strong start in his first few outings, blew up on Sunday as manager Derek Shelton tried him in the closer role. Borucki, who only has one save in his professional career, blew it, allowing three earned runs to tie the game at 4-4 before being taken out.
Aside from Dennis Santana, who Shelton has yet to commit as the closer for the time being, and Caleb Ferguson, the only Bucco pitcher on the opening day roster who has not surrendered a run yet this year, almost no one in this bullpen is trustworthy, and the Pirates are hoping that someone can step up and show some reliability.
Subscribe to continue reading
Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.
Fifth Avenue Sports 