Pirates promote Darrell-Hicks, option Stratton to Indy
The Pirates have promoted Michael Darrell-Hicks from Class AAA Indianapolis and optioned Hunter Stratton ahead of tonight's game against the Brewers, per source.
Darrell-Hicks, 27, appeared in six games with the Angels in April and early May, allowing eight runs on 10 hits over 7 2/3 innings before being designated for assignment on June 8. He was claimed by the Pirates on June 13 and threw two scoreless innings over two appearances with Indy.
"It's been a lot to digest," Darrell-Hicks said in the Pirates' clubhouse this afternoon. "Obviously the major leagues is everyone's goal coming up, so I'm very proud of myself in terms of that. Not really satisfied with how things have gone for myself, but I'm just working every day to get back to a feel that I want to create on the mound, and just feeling like myself out there."
Darrell-Hicks said the optimal version of himself is a competitor who fills up the zone and attack hitters. He doesn't shy away from contact, either, as someone who relies on generating weak contact and letting the defenders behind him do their jobs.
"When you don't see weak contact, it's hard to continue to pitch that way," he said. "Just getting back to myself and attacking guys, but early contact is key."
Stratton was recalled on Saturday and made his first appearance since May 1 on Monday night here in Milwaukee, allowing three runs on four hits with a walk and a hit batter over an inning of work.
It's fair for one to wonder why Dauri Moreta wasn't considered an option here. He is healthy and has returned to a regular relief role in Indy after being activated from the 60-day injured list and officially optioned on June 16. He hasn’t yet been down for 15 days, though, making him ineligible to replace an optioned reliever.
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THE ASYLUM
José Negron
2:28 pm - 06.24.2025MilwaukeePirates promote Darrell-Hicks, option Stratton to Indy
The Pirates have promoted Michael Darrell-Hicks from Class AAA Indianapolis and optioned Hunter Stratton ahead of tonight's game against the Brewers, per source.
Darrell-Hicks, 27, appeared in six games with the Angels in April and early May, allowing eight runs on 10 hits over 7 2/3 innings before being designated for assignment on June 8. He was claimed by the Pirates on June 13 and threw two scoreless innings over two appearances with Indy.
"It's been a lot to digest," Darrell-Hicks said in the Pirates' clubhouse this afternoon. "Obviously the major leagues is everyone's goal coming up, so I'm very proud of myself in terms of that. Not really satisfied with how things have gone for myself, but I'm just working every day to get back to a feel that I want to create on the mound, and just feeling like myself out there."
Darrell-Hicks said the optimal version of himself is a competitor who fills up the zone and attack hitters. He doesn't shy away from contact, either, as someone who relies on generating weak contact and letting the defenders behind him do their jobs.
"When you don't see weak contact, it's hard to continue to pitch that way," he said. "Just getting back to myself and attacking guys, but early contact is key."
Stratton was recalled on Saturday and made his first appearance since May 1 on Monday night here in Milwaukee, allowing three runs on four hits with a walk and a hit batter over an inning of work.
It's fair for one to wonder why Dauri Moreta wasn't considered an option here. He is healthy and has returned to a regular relief role in Indy after being activated from the 60-day injured list and officially optioned on June 16. He hasn’t yet been down for 15 days, though, making him ineligible to replace an optioned reliever.
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