The Pittsburgh Pirates enter their game tonight with the Chicago White Sox with a 45-48 record. They are eight and a half games back in the National League Central. the Pirates are two and a half games back from the final wild card spot right now. They close out the first half with a three-game series against the White Sox. Before the game today they announced several roster moves.
RHP – David Bednar
The Pirates have activated Bednar from the 15-day injured list today after a brief rehab assignment with the Altoona Curve. Bednar has appeared in 34 games this year for the Pirates. He has three wins, three losses, and a 5.17 ERA on the year. He has pitched 31.1 innings and earned 16 saves over the year.
LHP – Marco Gonzales
The Pirates have activated from the 60-day injured list from his left forearm strain. He has pitched in three games for the Pirates so far this year. He has yet to factor into a decision, pitching in 17 innings of work with a 2.65 ERA.
RHP – Brent Honeywell
The Pirates have designated Honeywell for assignment today. Honeywell appeared in two games for the Pirates this year with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. He struck out one and issued two walks during his time with the Pirates.
RHP – Ryder Ryan
The Pirates have optioned Ryan to the Indianapolis Indians today ahead of the game. He has pitched in 13 games this year for the Pirates with one win on the year and a 5.29 ERA. He has pitched 17 innings with 10 earned runs, eight walks, and 16 strikeouts.
Overview
The Pirates welcome back their closer and another veteran arm today with Bednar and Gonzales returning to the team ahead of the all-star break. The Pirates will look to finish the first half strong with a series win over the White Sox. The team will look to come out of the gates hot in the second half to see if they truly can contend for a wild card spot or if they will once again be sellers this year at the deadline. Unfortunately, they get to face the team with the best record in baseball right out of the gate in the second half when they host the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game weekend series. Regardless this team has been fun to watch and with the return of their closer and the way Paul Skenes has been pitching, sorry the National League All-Star game starting pitcher Paul Skenes. This team will be fun to watch in the second half and with some luck and good health, they might just find a way to grab a wild card spot.
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