The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that relief pitcher Nick Mears has been optioned to Indianapolis on Monday. They didn’t announce it yet, but this opens up a roster spot for Chad Kuhl to return tonight for the start against the Kansas City Royals. Mears did not appear in a game during his five days with the team. Kuhl has pitched two rehab games for Indianapolis, allowing one run in 6.1 innings. He had a 6.32 ERA in four starts with the Pirates before going on the injured list with right shoulder discomfort.
The Pirates have signed 23-year-old catcher Gustavo Polanco to a minor league deal. He played five seasons in the minors for the Chicago Cubs after signing out of Venezuela in 2014. He made it as high as Low-A ball in 2019 and he didn’t play during the shortened 2020 season. He was released by the Cubs last month. He has a career .275/.310/.375 slash line in the minors.
