The Pittsburgh Pirates will take an eight-man bullpen into Detroit on Tuesday for the start of a two-game series against the Tigers.
When the Pirates activated left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda from the 10-day injured list (pneumonia) Tuesday, Aaron Fletcher — also a lefty — was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Banda allowed only one run in five relief appearances (4 1/3 innings) before he was placed on the IL April 26, retroactive to April 23. Fletcher was 0-1 with a 9.35 ERA in eight games.
To get to the MLB-mandated 26-man roster limit Monday, the Pirates sent pitchers Miguel Yajure and Sam Howard to Indianapolis.
Yajure appeared in six games and 10 1/3 innings — all in relief — while posting a 1-0 record, 11.32 ERA and 1.92 WHIP.
Howard, who missed 11 games in April with a mid-back muscle strain, has been used as a reliever in only two games, giving up two hits and two runs for a 9.00 ERA.
Also, outfielder Anthony Alford has opted for free agency after the Pirates designated him for assignment April 24. Alford recorded only four at-bats and one hit this season.
