The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Thursday that left‑handed reliever Evan Sisk has been placed on the 15‑day injured list after doctors identified inflammation in his left elbow. The move comes as the club seeks to manage the pitcher’s workload after a taxing stretch of appearances earlier in the season.
To fill the vacated spot, the Pirates have called up right‑hander Hunter Stratton from Triple‑A Indianapolis, where he has been working as a swing‑man and spot starter. Stratton’s arrival adds a fresh arm to a bullpen that has been both reliable and inconsistent over the past month.
Sisk’s season snapshot
Sisk has been one of the more effective relievers for Pittsburgh this year, posting a 2.23 earned run average across 32 outings. His ability to limit baserunners and generate weak contact has made him a trusted option in high‑leverage situations, especially late in games.
Stratton’s journey back to the big leagues
Hunter Stratton, a former Pirate who originally broke into the majors in 2023, returns after a brief stint with the Atlanta Braves organization. He was acquired from Atlanta in a trade that sent catcher Joey Bart to the Braves in exchange for outfield prospect Titus Dumitru, a move that was finalized on June 18.
Since the trade, Stratton has logged four scoreless appearances for Indianapolis, showing the same poise that helped him compile a 3.75 career ERA over 60 big‑league games. His familiarity with the Pirates’ environment could make the transition smoother than a typical call‑up.
The transaction also highlights the ongoing player‑development exchanges between Pittsburgh and its affiliates. Stratton’s previous experience in the Pirates’ system, combined with his recent performance for the Braves, positions him as a versatile piece for manager Derek Shelton as the club pushes for a playoff spot.