The Pirates are bringing up some much-needed pitching help.
According to a source, Roansy Contreras and right-handed reliever Yerry De Los Santos are being promoted to the majors. It is the latter's first trip to the majors, and a spot will need to be opened on the team's 40 man roster.
Contreras, 22, made three appearances out of the bullpen with the Pirates at the beginning of the season, but was optioned to the minors on April 21 so he could be stretched out as a starter. He struck out 10 and allowed three runs over 7 2/3 innings in the majors.
With Class AAA Indianapolis, he recorded a 2.66 ERA over 20 1/3 innings with 24 strikeouts. In his most recent start on May 19, he was stretched out to 5 2/3 innings.
Contreras is considered a top 100 prospect by Baseball America (72), MLB Pipeline (67) and FanGraphs (42). Acquired as part of the Jameson Taillon trade with the Yankees, FanGraphs and Baseball America rank him as the organization's top pitching prospect.
Featuring an upper-90s fastball, two high spin breaking pitches and a plus changeup, Contreras is one of the highest-rated prospects that has come through the system in recent years.
While the Pirates have opted to use more hybrid and piggyback starts, Contreras presumably has the opportunity to be able to go deeper into games.
“We certainly believe that over time he’s got the ability to be that kind of guy, to go deeper into the game," Ben Cherington said last month. "He has multiple good pitches, can throw strikes and he’s athletic and he has some of the traits that guys like that need to have."
De Los Santos, 24, has struck out 20 while allowing just three earned runs in 15 2/3 innings with Indianapolis this year. A minor-league free agent this past offseason, he signed a minor-league deal to remain with the Pirates.
While prone to walk and control problems in the past, De Los Santos has cut down drastically on free passes the past two seasons, issuing just two walks this season.
He features a mid-90s fastball with tail and slider that gets above-average spin.
For the Pirates, their pitching staff could use the boost. After allowing 18 runs against the Cardinals Sunday (five did come from position player Josh VanMeter pitching), their staff ERA is 4.62, the fifth-highest in baseball. That includes a 5.14 ERA among their starters, the third-highest in the game.
