Pregame: Three pitching additions headed to the bullpen

Pirates call-up three pitchers

As Charlie noted, the Pirates promoted three pitchers (Drew Hutchison, Trevor Williams and Tyler Glasnow) and infielder Pedro Florimon this afternoon. Clint Hurdle said all three pitchers will initially work out of the bullpen and provide "length" options similar to role currently filled by Jeff Locke. However, one of them, presumably Glasnow, may end up starting sooner rather than later.

"There may be an opportunity for one [to start], somebody down the road based on us looking at the regulation of [Jameson] Taillon's innings, or Chad Kuhl's innings," Hurdle said.

All three pitchers said basically what you'd expect, as reporters moved from one to another: They are excited to be with the team and will adapt to any role they are given.

Drew Hutchison is of particular interest because of the controversial trade that brought him to the organization.

"Obviously that speaks for itself," the newest Pirate said of being part of the deal that sent Francisco Liriano to Toronto. "I'm going to try to be myself and do the things I'm capable of doing. I'm looking forward to getting started."

With four starting pitching prospects already called up from the Indianapolis' staff (five, if you include Wilfredo Boscan), Trevor Williams was the last man waiting to join the major league team. Hurdle said that the organization "felt very opportunistic to get him from the Marlins" and are "very pleased with his development" this season.

"We got a good look at him in spring training," Hurdle said. "He was able to stay on point [this season] and get the work that we feel is most beneficial to him and his development. He's a guy we're looking forward to seeing. He pitches with an edge."

Availability

Neftali Feliz is not available out of the bullpen tonight. Hurdle said that there is "some hope" he'll be an option later this homestand. General Manager Neal Huntington has previously stated the right-hander is not dealing with ligament damage.

Francisco Cervelli is not in the starting lineup tonight, after exiting Sunday's game in the fourth inning. He is being checked by team doctor's this afternoon and his availability for tonight's game is uncertain. Hurdle said his injury is not related to Cervelli's surgery to repair a broken hamate bone earlier this season.

"He just got smoked on the block of a ball," Hurdle said.