Pittsburgh Pirates: Wandy Rodriguez placed on DL; Jared Hughes re-called
By Matt Shetler
Prior to their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates made a roster move regarding the struggling Wandy Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day disabled list with what is being called right knee inflammation.
Apr 14, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) pitches during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
In addition, relief pitcher Jared Hughes was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Hughes has one win, three saves and a 0.00 ERA in five appearances with Indianapolis this year.
Rodriguez has struggled in a big way so far this season. After a decent opening outing to start the season against the Chicago Cubs, Rodriguez has been bombed in three consecutive starts.
The veteran southpaw, who missed most of last season, was counted on to provide innings for this Pirates rotation, but hasn’t been effective. Rodriguez has allowed 14 earned runs in his last 14 innings pitched. He hasn’t been fooling anyone as Rodriguez’s mistakes have been getting crushed, allowing seven home runs on the season.
Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 7.65 ERA on the season.
The general feeling is something had to be wrong with Rodriguez and the Pirates are hoping some time off can cure some of his issues.
Rodriguez was scheduled to make his next start Thursday against the Reds.
As of now no replacement has been named.
Pirates’ manager Clint Hurdle could elect an internal option like Jeanmar Gomez or Stolmy Pimentel or could call up a starter from the minors prior to Thursday.
Left hander Jeff Locke or right hander Brandon Cumpton would be the likely candidates.