The Pirates were concerned about pitcher health coming into this season because of the shortened summer camp, but even they probably could not have envisioned what has happened.
In addition to being without Jameson Taillon and Chris Archer, they currently have five relief pitchers on the injured list. Short outings from starters has also forced Derek Shelton to go to the bullpen often, creating a need for fresh arms.
That turnover has led to some ugly results, including Friday's 17-13, extra-inning loss against the Tigers.
"We really want to work to stabilize that group," Ben Cherington said Saturday. "It has been a challenging stretch with the number of injuries we’ve had to the pitchers from the Major League group and how bunched together those have happened. Then obviously dipping into that pool in Altoona quite a bit."
So far this season, the Pirates have promoted six players from their alternate training camp in Altoona, including selecting the contract of right-hander Nick Mears Saturday.
It's also been a difficult to acquire pitching because of the limitations put in place because of COVID-19. Teams are also being more protective of their pitchers because of the rash of injuries.
However, Cherington does expect things to get better.
"We would expect and we’re focused on both trying to stabilize the group that’s here with the Pirates now and get guys back to health and get guys back into game shape as quickly as we can safely, and also focused externally on acquiring more pitching depth," Cherington said. "We’re working on both fronts. Hopefully over the next few days, we’ll have some progress on both of those things – both getting guys into a better spot internally and also hopefully finding some ways to supplement that externally.”
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