The Pirates made another change to their bullpen Monday, recalling left-hander Steven Brault from Triple-A before first pitch against the Braves. Left-hander Buddy Boshers was optioned to make room for Brault on the roster.
Brault allowed two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings since being demoted to Indianapolis earlier this month. He had a team-high 46 walks and a 1.59 WHIP in 31 appearances, including five starts, for the Pirates. Boshers, meanwhile, did not appear in a game since being recalled Aug. 11. He was claimed off waivers from the Astros on Aug. 4.
Clint Hurdle said reports from Indianapolis' staff indicate Brault's command has improved after he focused on cleaning up his delivery.
"It improved while he was there," Hurdle told reporters. "Consistency of work helped. I think he was able to re-ignite and come up with a consistent delivery plan, repeating his delivery, holding his backside better and finishing pitches."
Brault, 26, was demoted to Triple-A when Keone Kela joined the team following the non-waiver trade deadline, and the plan was for him to receive more consistent work in the Indians' bullpen. He had pitched only once for the Pirates in eight days and walked five batters in three innings during his final appearance. Brault recorded a 5.65 ERA with 26 walks to 24 strikeouts in his last 17 appearances.
He pitched twice last week for Indianapolis and four of his five appearances there were scoreless, although he walked at least one batter in all but one. Boshers had a 1.24 WHIP with 55 strikeouts to 15 walks in 41 appearances at Triple-A Fresno before being claimed by the Pirates. He spent most of last season in the Twins' bullpen.