Pirates Activate RHP Jared Hughes, Option Black
By Matt Shetler
After a five-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, you figured the Pittsburgh Pirates would make a move to get a fresh arm in the bullpen and that’s exactly what they have done before beginning a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies Friday night at PNC Park.
The team announced Friday afternoon that it has re-called right handed reliever Jared Hughes and optioned out right-hander Vic Black.
April 21, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Jared Hughes (48) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Hughes had not pitched since June 5. He went on the disabled list because of right shoulder inflammation. In 15 appearances before going on the DL, Hughes, 28, allowed nine earned runs in 16.1 innings.
Black, 25, appeared in three games for the Pirates. He allowed two runs in four innings while walking a pair and striking out three.
It makes sense that Black would be the one to go as he threw 41 pitches last night in 2.2 innings of work, allowing a run on three hits, walking one and striking out one.
After a very good rookie season last year, Hughes struggled out of the gate with the big club this season posting a 4.96 ERA in 15 outings.
However Hughes seems to have found what worked for him last year after he was demoted to the minors.
In 18 games for Triple-A Indianapolis, Hughes has posted a 0.43 ERA, allowing only one earned run in 21.0 innings of work. In addition he has struck out 18 and walked only one batter in that span.