The Pirates announced a roster move before Sunday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, recalling right-handed pitcher Casey Sadler and optioning right-hander Alex McRae to Triple-A Indianapolis.
A move was expected after McRae threw 3 1/3 innings in long relief last night, allowing three runs and taking the loss in an 8-4 defeat. With McRae unavailable for Sunday after that outing, the Pirates needed an arm capable of pitching in a long relief situation in the last home game before taking off for a 10-game road trip.
Sadler's call-up is the latest move in an effort to find a consistent long relief arm, a role that was vacated with the trade of Tyler Glasnow to the Tampa Bay Rays in the deal to acquire Chris Archer. Before Sunday's roster move was announced, Clint Hurdle spoke about the need to fill that role and his desire to do so without upsetting the roles his other relievers have carved out with some success.
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