Pittsburgh Pirates DFA Chris Leroux, Recall Bryan Morris
By Matt Shetler
Nine games into the 2013 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates have made their first roster move.
The team announced on Friday that they have DFA’s reliever Chris Leroux and recalled reliever Bryan Morris to take his spot on the roster.
October 2, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Bryan Morris (57) delivers a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Leroux had struggled early in the season, allowing three earned runs and four hits in four innings of work. The main problem though was the walks as Leroux walked six batters in his brief time. He was typically a guy with a high strikeout rate and a low walk rate, which makes the six walks to go along with three strike outs a little eye popping.
If Leroux clears waivers, he will be sent to Triple-A, but he has the option to refuse the assignment and elect free agency instead.
Morris, who struggled a bit in the spring looked sharp in three Triple-A appearances, tossing three shutout innings with a pair of strike outs.
He was initially sent down because he still had options remaining, but his mid-90’s fastball could turn into an asset for the Pirates depleted bullpen that has seen the likes of Jason Grilli, Justin Wilson and Jeanmar Gomez get a little overworked.
It would be nice to see Morris get the opportunity to stick around for the year and possibly work himself into a late inning role, but if the Pirates need a spot starter for Wandy Rodriguez, he could be sent down after a short stay.
However I think Morris has earned the opportunity and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take advantage of it.