The Pittsburgh Pirates have added right-handed pitcher Yacksel Rios to the bullpen ahead of Monday night’s game in Minnesota. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Pirates moved Michael Feliz to the 45-day injured list. There was already an open 30-man roster spot due to Robbie Erlin being designated for assignment on Sunday.
Rios has been at the Altoona training site since the beginning of Spring Training 2.0 last month. He was on the 40-man roster until late June when he was designated for assignment. He pitched briefly for the Pirates last year, posting a 5.23 ERA in 10.1 innings over ten appearances. He has pitched in the majors in each of the last three seasons and he has a 6.20 ERA in 65.1 innings over 63 appearances.
Feliz left his relief appearance over the weekend with right forearm tightness and he was placed on the 10-day injured list yesterday. Getting moved to the 45-day IL means that he is basically done for the season. He can’t return before September 16th, and this shortened season is scheduled to wrap up on September 27th. However, if the Pirates already know that he won’t be available for the next six weeks, then his injury is likely something more significant. According to an update from the Pirates, he was diagnosed with a forearm/elbow strain.
