Pittsburgh Pirates recall Vin Mazzaro, demote Bryan Morris
By Matt Shetler
Prior to game two of their series against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Pirates made another roster move that could bring a fresh arm to the bullpen.
June 22, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Vin Mazzaro (32) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
The club announced that they have called up reliever Vin Mazzaro. To create a roster spot, reliever Bryan Morris has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
The move was designed to get a fresh arm in the pen on the active roster and Morris threw three innings Monday night in the loss to the Cardinals. He walked three batters in those three innings, which turned out to be Morris’ only outing with the big club after being recalled a few days prior.
Mazzaro was acquired in the offseason along with Clint Robinson from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers.
He is a four-year major league veteran, but hasn’t had the best results, posting a career 5.22 ERA in 286 inning pitched with both the Royals and Oakland A’s.
The former 2005 third-round pick has appeared in three games for Indianapolis, not allowing a run and only three hits with a walk in seven innings pitched.
In all likelihood, Mazzaro’s stay with the big club won’t be a long one, unless his performance dictates otherwise.