Pirates’ Carmen Mlodzinski Replacement Doesn't Last Long

Ashcraft had a great outing, with two earned runs allowed over six innings and posting a career-high 11 strikeouts, while the Pirates used Sanders in the seventh inning and then rookie right-handed relief pitcher Brandan Bidois for the final two innings.

Cherington was confident during his press conference that Mlodzinski will come back to the team and he anticipates him pitching on the upcoming road trip.

The Pirates have a day off and then face the Houston Astros at Daikin Park, June 2-4, then the Atlanta Braves at Truist Field, June 5-7.

Cherington also said that as long as Mlodzinski pitches, then this matter is resolved, as Mlodzinski didn't put in a trade request.

This move likely signals that Mlodzinski isn't staying on the restricted list for long and will pitch on this road trip, most likely vs. the Astros, with his last appearance coming back on May 25 vs. the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.

Sanders Never Keeping Steady Spot with Pirates

Sanders has now moved back-and-forth between the Pirates four times this season, with this his shortest stint with the team.

The Pirates can option Sanders one more time this season, before they have to place him on waivers, as that would mark the fifth time of them doing so.

Sanders has a 9.00 ERA over six appearances and six innings pitched for Pittsburgh in 2026, with eight strikeouts to five walks, a .261 batting average allowed and a 1.83 WHIP.

The Pirates recalled Sanders on April 17, then he gave up four earned runs over 0.2 innings vs. the Tampa Bay Rays at PNC Park on April 18, which erased a 4-0 lead the Pirates had before a long rain delay, and earned him a demotion to Triple-A on April 19.

Sanders returned on April 25, after Ashcraft went on the Major League Bereavement/Family Emergency Medical List, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings over two appearances, then went back to Indianapolis once Ashcraft returned on April 28.

His last stint with the Pirates came on May 7, as he took the spot of right-handed pitcher Chris Devenski, who went on the 15-day injured list with an undisclosed illness.

Sanders threw a scoreless eighth inning in the 5-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants in the series opener at Oracle Park on May 8, but then gave up two earned runs in the ninth inning of the 13-3 win over the Giants on May 9.

The Pirates then sent Sanders down for the third time on May 12, as they brought up Bidois for his MLB debut.