The Pittsburgh Pirates announced four roster moves Friday ahead of their series opener against the Boston Red Sox, with reliever Yohan Ramírez placed on the paternity list and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
To fill the vacancies, the Pirates recalled right-hander Wilber Dotel and outfielder Billy Cook, giving manager Don Kelly fresh options entering a key weekend series.
The moves come one day after Pittsburgh's 13-1 win over the Miami Marlins, improving the club to 59-64 and keeping it within striking distance in the National League playoff race.
Ramírez is expected to miss up to three days under MLB's paternity leave policy before rejoining the club. Garcia heads back to Triple-A after struggling during his latest stint in the majors, where he recorded one hit in 13 at-bats with six strikeouts.
Wilber Dotel returns for his fourth major league stint this season after posting a 5.06 ERA with 29 strikeouts across 26.2 innings. Billy Cook adds another right-handed bat after producing consistently in Indianapolis.
Garcia, nicknamed "The Password," impressed in the minors earlier this year but could not carry that success into Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old finished his latest promotion batting .077 with a .619 OPS before Friday's option.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Pirates also continue to monitor injuries elsewhere on the roster. Endy Rodríguez remains on the injured list with left hip inflammation while Oneil Cruz is progressing through a minor league rehab assignment.
Pittsburgh enters the series third in the National League Central at 59-64, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 16.5 games. The Pirates begin the weekend looking to build on Thursday's dominant victory while integrating fresh faces into the roster.
ALSO SEE:
- MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Friday, Aug. 14
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First-Inning Predictions for Friday, Aug. 14
