Pirates designate Antonio Bastardo, recall Phil Gosselin

The Pirates have designated left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo for assignment and recalled infielder Phil Gosselin from Indianapolis.

Some fans may recall that Bastardo has had just a wee bit of trouble this year, as reflected in his 15.00 ERA, 8.55 xFIP, 2.78 WHIP, and more walks than strikeouts. Bastardo spent a month rehabbing from phantom discomfort in AAA, during which he didn’t pitch well. The Pirates nevertheless activated him, knowing that he couldn’t be used in any game that was still in doubt. That limited him to three games and ten batters in eleven days. Somehow, those ten batters completely changed the picture and now he’s being dfa’d.

Gosselin opened the season with the Pirates and posted a miserable 135/158/162 line that got him optioned to AAA. He got hot after being sent down, but since the beginning of June has hit just 250/305/330. Chris Bostick has hit much better in AAA, but, of course, lacks veteranosity. At least the Pirates won’t be playing with a short bench.