Pittsburgh Pirates activate Wandy Rodriguez to start vs. Brewers

Apr 3, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As expected, the Pittsburgh Pirates made a roster move prior to Thursday’s game at Miller Park against the National League Central division leading Milwaukee Brewers.

In search of their fourth consecutive series victory, The Pirates have activated left-hander Wandy Rodriguez from the 15-day disabled after the southpaw was sidelined by right knee inflammation. Rodriguez will get the start Thursday afternoon.

Unlike years past, we don’t know if this is good news or bad news.

Rodriguez, who is 0-2 with a 7.65 ERA in four starts, also struggled in his two rehab starts, posting a 10.38 ERA in starts for Triple-A Indianapolis.

He has had problems staying healthy as did not pitch after June 5 last season because of tightness in his forearm.

To make room on the roster, the Pirates optioned outfielder Jaff Decker to Indianapolis.

Since being traded to the Pirates in 2012, Rodriguez is 11-10 with a 4.17 ERA. A major reason for his ERA being that high is the horrible start to this season. Hopefully the DL stint will help his command. The good news is Rodriguez wasn’t walking batters, but his command has been horrible as he has been getting hit extremely hard. That is evident by the career-high 3.15 HR/9 he has allowed this season.

Given his pedigree, the Pirates have to give Rodriguez another opportunity, but you would think they have to have a short leash.

With an effective Brandon Cumpton sitting down in Triple-A, you have to wonder if that leash will be quick enough.

Hopefully Rodriguez comes out and pitches well and makes that decision easy for the Pirates.

However if he doesn’t and gets hit hard in a couple more starts, the Bucs are going to have a lot of questions to answer for.