The PIrates have recalled right-handed reliever Evan Meek from AAA Indianapolis and placed right-handed reliever Juan Cruz on the 15-day DL, retroactive to July 18, with inflammation in his right shoulder.
Meek has been a bit of a forgotten man since being sent down to Indianapolis May 1 (he was recalled May 16, but sent back down May 18). Meek has appeared in ten games for the Pirates this season, giving up 13 hits and nine runs in 10.2 innings, an ERA of 7.59. Meek's velocity was down from 95-96 to 92-93 and he lacked command of his slider.
In Indy, the 29-year-old reliever appeared in 27 games, logging 36.2 innings. He recorded 30 strikeouts against 23 walks suggesting command is still an issue. He gave up 25 hits, nine earned runs and 3 homers for the Indians in his appearances.
Cruz has only pitched two times since the All-Star break going 1.2 innings. He walked three of the eight batters he faced and struck out none. Watching Cruz over the past month this move does not come as a surprise.
UPDATE: Various beat reporters have tweeted that Meek is feeling healthy, his velocity is back up and he feels like he did back in 2010. That would be a huge bonus and really supplement the bullpen. Cruz apparently has been feeling discomfort since before the All-Star break. Again not surprising.