The Pittsburgh Pirates released veteran left-handed pitcher Tyler Lyons on Sunday. Recently acquired right-handed pitcher Cody Ponce has been promoted from Altoona to Indianapolis.
Lyons pitched 35 games for Indianapolis, posting a 3.35 ERA in 45.2 innings, with 55 strikeouts, a 1.09 WHIP and a .210 BAA. He was holding left-handed batters to a .123 BAA. The Pirates called him up very briefly in May, using him three times in five days before designating him for assignment and returning him to Indianapolis. Lyons has a 4.20 ERA over 150 big league appearances.
Ponce was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers two weeks ago in exchange for Jordan Lyles. He made three appearances for the Altoona Curve, giving up four runs over six innings, despite allowing just three hits and a walk. Ponce struck out six batters. He already had plenty of Double-A experience prior to joining the Pirates, so it’s no surprise that he has been promoted this quick. He made his Double-A debut in 2017 and has been there since, making 15 starts and 47 relief appearances.
