Notes: Moves, Minors, Team News

Three weeks to go...

Notes:

• It never ends - the Pirates recalled RHP Cody Ponce from Indy and optioned INF/OF Phillip Evans to Indy. LHP Dillon Peters (back strain) was removed from the IL on Tuesday so he could start against Motown. RHP Shea Spitzbarth, just recalled, returned to Indy.
• JT Brubaker was shut down for the week with a shoulder impingement.
• Steven Brault left Friday's game after two innings with "left arm discomfort." There was some question after his recent return whether he was rusty or taken of the IL too soon; kinda looking like the latter.
• The Pirates have claimed RHP Connor Overton, 28, off waivers from the Blue Jays and optioned him to Indy. Overton has four scoreless relief outings this year for Toronto after a good campaign (2-1/2.18) at AAA Buffalo as a long man. RHP Duane Underwood Jr. was transferred to the 60-day IL (right should inflammation) to clear a 40-man spot.
• Don't expect the Pirates to move their their Class A guys up this month; Hi-A Greensboro and Lo-A Bradenton both appear playoff bound while AA Altoona and AAA Indy will likely be on the outside looking in. The Pirates FO prefers the youngsters get playoff experience than play-out-the-string games in the upper levels. But...they placed Greensboro prospects/starters JC Flowers, Tahnaj Thomas and Carmen Mlodzinski on the IL We're pretty sure it's a move to save their arms; the question is whether they'll be back for playoffs or not.

Key was clutch - 2021 Topps Game Within The Game

• Ke'Bryan Hayes had the first walk off hit of his career when his two-out single to right scored Ben Gamel to defeat the Nats, 4-3, at PNC Park.
• In his seven starts (27-2/3 IP) with the Pirates this season, Steven Brault has received two runs of offensive help while he's been on the mound.
• Josh Bell got a video tribute and nice welcome from the fans upon his return to PNC Park.
• 48 of David Bednar's 58 appearances have been scoreless; he's on a streak of 10 consecutive outings without a run surrendered.
• Old news: Pittsburgh is now 0-for-12 in sweep attempts this season after losing game #3 to Motown on Wednesday.The Pirates announced that its players will all wear #21 on September 15th against the Reds at PNC Park to help celebrate "Roberto Clemente Night." This date is celebrated as “Roberto Clemente Day” throughout MLB and is the day that the nominees (one from each team) for the Roberto Clemente Award are named.
• Fran Cervelli was in town this week for an event at the Roberto Clemente Museum. He returned to PNC Park, said hi to the guys, made a stop in the TV booth to chat and visited with the writers in the press box. Kevin Gorman of the Trib has a piece on Cervy's return.
• Matt Capps finished his 2021 AT&T SportsNet gig after the Detroit series.
• The Braves signed RHP Charlie Morton, 37, to a one-year, $20M extension with a club option (no buyout) for 2023. He was 13-5/3.47 when the deal was announced.
• RHP Neftali Feliz, 33, was called up by the Dodgers; he worked for the Bucs back in 2016.