Pirates call up Angel Sanchez, option Edgar Santana

The Pirates have called up right-handed reliever Angel Sanchez from Indianapolis. He’ll replace Edgar Santana, who’s been optioned back to AAA. After arguably blowing Monday’s game by leaving the bullpen short-handed, the Pirates’ front office seems to be working overtime to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Santana, of course, threw two innings last night and probably wouldn’t have been available today.

Sanchez, once he appears in a game, will be making his major league debut. He appeared on the verge of a callup late in the 2015 season, as he’d had a strong year as a starter split between AA and AAA. Near the end of the AAA season, though, he hurt his elbow and ultimately had Tommy John surgery, costing him the 2016 season. He came back ready to go this spring, throwing 97 mph, with a low-90s cutter, in shorter stints. He’s been strictly a reliever and has had some ups and downs with Indianapolis, although his peripherals have been better than his 3.74 ERA. He has a 1.19 WHIP and a 10.6 K/9. Fangraphs puts his xFIP at 2.89.

Sanchez had to be added to the 40-man roster, but there was already an open spot so no corresponding move is needed.