The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned outfielder Alex Presley to Triple-A and have recalled right-handed reliever Duke Welker, according to Travis Sawchik.
Pirates have optioned Alex Presley, calling up Duke Welker
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) June 20, 2013
The move was probably made to give the bullpen an extra arm after last night’s extra innings game, and with rookie Brandon Cumpton on the mound today. Welker was called up earlier this year, but didn’t get in a game. In his last 11 innings he hasn’t given up an earned run and has an 8:3 K/BB ratio. On the season in Triple-A he has a 2.78 ERA in 35.2 innings, with a 34:20 K/BB ratio.