Pirates pitcher Pimentel (Charles LeClaire of USA TODAY Sports)
The Pittsburgh Pirates made four roster moves on Saturday, the biggest one being sending relief pitcher Stolmy Pimentel to the disabled list with shoulder inflammation.
In unison with the Pimentel move, Pittsburgh recalled relief pitcher Jared Hughes from Triple-A Indianapolis and picked up the contract of relief pitcher Vin Mazzaro from the same affiliate. The Pirates also optioned starting pitcher Brandon Cumpton to Indianapolis.
Pimentel, 24, is 2-1 this season with a 3.18 ERA in six appearances out of the bullpen. His last appearance for the Pirates was Thursday against Baltimore, where he allowed a game-winning home run to Matt Wieters in the 10th inning.
Last season, Pimentel had a 1.93 ERA in five appearances for the Pirates when he was called up in September. Scouts have been concerned that he has taken a step back this season as his velocity on his fastball has reduced four miles per hour when he averaged 94.7 last year, according to fangraphs.com.
The injury to Pimentel will be difficult for a Pirates bullpen who currently ranks 28th in saves this season with four and 30th in save percentage with only a 36 percent save opportunity. The Pirates started the season strong by going 5-5 in their first ten games, but since then have gone 6-13 and currently sit last in the National League Central.
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