Every year there is always an example of the old baseball saying ‘you can never have too much pitching’.
The Pittsburgh Pirates depth that they tried to create is certainly being put to the test, with two of their original rotation members sidelined to long-term injuries, and another one of their top prospects out for the season.
Maybe at the worst possible timing, Roansy Contreras is now struggling and looks like he either needs some time in the bullpen or a built-in break period to try and reset and work on some things.
Unfortunately, the Pirates may not be able to go with that.
In a series that started off rough, despite the win, and only got worst, Contreras allowed seven earned runs while only recording a single out on Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics.
When Vince Velasquez returned from the IL, Contreras was set to work out of the bullpen briefly, to work on some issues he’d been having. But now with Velasquez out again for who knows how long, Contreras was thrusted right back into the rotation.
The Pirates have two of the next five days off between playing for 13 straight, so they were able to get a little creative with things on Wednesday, having Contreras and Luis Ortiz pitch on the same day.
Having those multiple days off should allow the Pirates to skip Contreras, or have him throw once out of the bullpen in a limited setting but beyond that, they may have to dig deep into the system to find some help
— Quinn Priester is the team’s top pitching prospect, or second behind Ortiz, in most national outlets and is having an up and down season in Indianapolis. His breaking stuff has been fantastic, but the fastball has been hittable, and really maxing out around 93 mph.
We’ve seen Contreras, Ortiz, and Johan Oviedo have success using mostly breaking pitches, but at the same time have seen how limited they can be in doing so.
— Caleb Smith and Kent Emanuel were two minor league free agent signings that have been pitching out of Indianapolis’ rotation, with limited success – although the later has one of the better xFIP in the system.
Smith has previous experience pitching in the majors and did post a complete game (7 IP) shutout earlier in the season.
— Maybe a wildcard in all of this is Osvaldo Bido. He wasn’t much of a strikeout pitcher coming up before putting up career numbers in Triple-A last year. He’s always had issues with his control, and seemed more of a bullpen option if he were to make it to the majors, but is once again showing he can at the very least be an innings eater should they need someone for a start or two.
— Jared Jones was recently added to Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects, a deserved milestone for the righty who has really taken big steps in his development. His fastball was reaching 99 mph in his last start, and paired with his slider there is no doubt he could get major league hitters out right now.
Just maybe not as a starter. Messing with his timeline would seem like a risk not worth taking. Kyle Nicolas is on the Altoona team with Jones, and while he has shown flashes, is still searching for some consistency on the mound.
There are a lot of things the Pirates probably want to try when it comes to their rotation, it’s just starting to look like they are going to be forced to going with what they got.
That could mean forcing Contreras to remain in the rotation and work things out the hard way. Or, they could slide him into the bullpen, bring someone else up and be prepared to take some hits while Contreras works things out.
Daily Video Rundown
Need a clutch hit? Call Cal.
It was quite a day for Cal Mitchell, coming up with a couple of big hits. First off, he hits this two-run home run that tied the game in the third inning. Later, he drives in another run with this RBI double.
To the wall and for the lead.
Have a day, Cal.
Henry found the gap in a hurry.
109.2 MPH off the bat on his first Triple-A three-bagger.
Henry Davis was held off the box score hit wise in his first Triple-A game, but corrects that in his second. In the first inning, he blasts this RBI triple for his first hit at the level.
PIRATES PROSPECTS DAILY
By Tim Williams
Looking for the Prospect Watch, Pirates Recap, and Daily discussion? Check out Pirates Prospects Live.
**P2Live: Roansy Contreras and Quinn Priester on the Same Schedule
**Aaron Shackelford adjusts swing and relocates power
**Mitch Keller Struggles Continue Against Oakland Athletics
SONG OF THE DAY
