Monday, May 28, 2012

Slaten Up, Cruz On Restricted List

Well, the Bucs got that second lefty for the pen today when they brought up the red-hot Doug Slaten from Indy after placing Juan Cruz on the restricted list.

Slaten, 32, went 2-0 with eight saves and a 0.36 ERA in 25-1/3 IP at Indy. He's also pitched in 206 MLB games for Arizona and Washington to a 3.60 ERA. The lefty has a 24-inning scoreless streak (earned runs; he did give up one unearned) and an opponent BA of .161. He's not a power pitcher, with just 15 K, and is known as a ground ball guy. Slaten, like Tony Watson, is not necessarily a LOOGY, tho he'll be used as one, and best suited in a middle inning role. He can go multiple innings if need be.

The Pirates signed him after he was non-tendered by the Nats in the off season. This was a timely move; Slaten would have been able to opt out of his contract if not on the 25-man roster by June 1. No roster moves were needed to add him; he took Nate McLouth's spot on the 40-man and Cruz's spot on the active roster.

Cruz is going back to the Dominican Republic, where the Pirates say he has personal issues that need his attention. Clint Hurdle expects him back sometime during the Brewer series this weekend.

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