The Pittsburgh Pirates are actively adjusting their roster as they enter September, the final month of the MLB regular season. On September 2, the team announced the recall of left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Indianapolis and the selection of catcher Christian Bethancourt's contract from the same affiliate. Both players have been added to the Pirates' expanded 28-man roster for September, a month that allows teams to increase their rosters from the standard 26 players.
In a corresponding move, the Pirates placed catcher Endy Rodriguez on the 60-day injured list due to a left hip injury that has unfortunately ended his season. This decision was necessary to create space for Bethancourt, who will provide additional depth at a position that has been plagued by injuries throughout the year.
As part of MLB's September roster expansion, teams are allowed to add two extra players, which can be crucial for managing fatigue and injuries as the season winds down. The Pirates' addition of Eisert provides an extra arm for their bullpen, while Bethancourt serves as a reliable backup catcher behind Henry Davis and Rafael Flores Jr.
Eisert's performance this season has been a mixed bag. He has struggled in his appearances with the Pirates, posting a 7.71 ERA over seven innings, allowing a .345 batting average against and recording a 2.00 WHIP. However, his recent stint in Indianapolis has shown marked improvement; since being sent down on August 4, he has achieved a 2.08 ERA over 10 appearances, striking out 18 batters while walking just three, and holding opponents to a .093 batting average with a 0.54 WHIP.
Meanwhile, Bethancourt, who hasn't played in the majors since 2024 with the Chicago Cubs, brings valuable experience to the Pirates. Over his eight-year career, he has participated in 428 games, making him a solid option for the Pirates as they navigate the challenges of the season's final stretch.
While these roster moves may not significantly impact the Pirates' chances of making an improbable playoff run, they do provide much-needed depth for a team that has faced considerable injury challenges. As the Pirates look to finish the season strong, the addition of Eisert and Bethancourt could help stabilize their roster during this critical period.
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