The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up relief pitcher Steven Jackson, and have purchased the contract of 29 year old left handed reliever Wilfredo Ledezma, filling their two open spots on the 25-man roster. Ledezma takes the open spot on the 40-man roster which was opened when the Pirates designated Brendan Donnelly for assignment.
Jackson will only be up for a few days, and will likely be sent back down after Friday’s game, so that the Pirates can call up a starter for Saturday. That starter has been rumored to be Daniel McCutchen, but no official announcement has been made. Ledezma had a 0.94 ERA in 38.1 innings in relief at Indianapolis, with a 11.7 K/9 and a 4.5 BB/9, and a .156 BAA. Ledezma hasn’t allowed a run since the month of May, with 21 scoreless innings in June and July, and a 32:9 K/BB ratio in that time span. Ledezma doesn’t have any options remaining, but does have two years of control remaining. Unlike Donnelly, if Ledezma has success the rest of the season, the Pirates can retain him, rather than deal with him leaving via free agency.
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