The Pirates have optioned Thomas Harrington to Class AAA Indianapolis and there will be a corresponding move announced tomorrow.
As the team heads to Cincinnati this weekend for a three-game set against the Reds, this move could mean that a minor-league reliever is on the way to the major-league club. Carmen Mlodzinski will start Sunday and this could mean the Pirates are comfortable with his length and the way that he moved through the Cardinals lineup on Monday.
This move won't open up a spot for David Bednar as he can't be recalled until 15 days after he was optioned. Unless they plan to call up a reliever that isn't on the 40-man, such as Tanner Rainey or Isaac Mattson, I would guess, it's between Hunter Stratton and Kyle Nicolas.
Stratton pitched two innings last night and has thrown in four games for Indianapolis. He's worked 5 2/3 innings and has given up six hits, one earned run and one walk while striking out four. Nicolas has struggled in the minors to start the year. He's thrown 4 2/3 innings to go along with eight hits, six earned runs and three walks while striking out eight.
Rainey (shoulder) was placed on the 7-day IL at the end of March but was activated on Tuesday and made his first appearance for Indianapolis last night. He didn't allow a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning of work. Mattson has appeared in three games, thrown 2 1/3 innings and has struck out four while giving up just two hits.
If they decide to try a fill a role like Harrington's, a young starter who could provide length out of the bullpen, Braxton Ashcraft and Mike Burrows would both be options as well.
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THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
4:47 pm - 04.10.2025DOWNTOWNHarrington optioned to Indy
The Pirates have optioned Thomas Harrington to Class AAA Indianapolis and there will be a corresponding move announced tomorrow.
As the team heads to Cincinnati this weekend for a three-game set against the Reds, this move could mean that a minor-league reliever is on the way to the major-league club. Carmen Mlodzinski will start Sunday and this could mean the Pirates are comfortable with his length and the way that he moved through the Cardinals lineup on Monday.
This move won't open up a spot for David Bednar as he can't be recalled until 15 days after he was optioned. Unless they plan to call up a reliever that isn't on the 40-man, such as Tanner Rainey or Isaac Mattson, I would guess, it's between Hunter Stratton and Kyle Nicolas.
Stratton pitched two innings last night and has thrown in four games for Indianapolis. He's worked 5 2/3 innings and has given up six hits, one earned run and one walk while striking out four. Nicolas has struggled in the minors to start the year. He's thrown 4 2/3 innings to go along with eight hits, six earned runs and three walks while striking out eight.
Rainey (shoulder) was placed on the 7-day IL at the end of March but was activated on Tuesday and made his first appearance for Indianapolis last night. He didn't allow a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning of work. Mattson has appeared in three games, thrown 2 1/3 innings and has struck out four while giving up just two hits.
If they decide to try a fill a role like Harrington's, a young starter who could provide length out of the bullpen, Braxton Ashcraft and Mike Burrows would both be options as well.
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