Pirates reshuffle their bullpen ahead of a Cubs series in Chicago, calling up Evan Sisk and Colin Holderman from Triple-A Indianapolis and designating Ryan Borucki while Cam Sanders heads back to Indy. Sisk, 28, arrived from Kansas City at the trade deadline in the Bailey Falter swap and flashed a 1.69 ERA across 5 1/3 innings in five Royals appearances. Holderman, 29, hasn’t pitched since May 19 but owns an 8-10 record with a 4.12 ERA in four MLB seasons with the Mets and Pirates. Borucki, 15-12 with a 4.36 ERA over eight seasons, went 1-3 with a 5.28 mark in 35 Pirates games this year, including a rough outing vs Milwaukee in a 14-0 loss.
The moves inject fresh bullpen depth as Pittsburgh targets stability with two right-handers and a lefty in Sisk back in action. The Cubs series could reveal how the new mix handles late innings, especially with Borucki out of the relief picture and Sanders optioned. For fantasy players, the key is watching the deployment of Sisk and Holderman and whether either seizes a high-leverage role in pinch scenarios or holds situations.
In short, Pittsburgh bet on Sisk’s and Holderman’s recent track records to bolster a bullpen that’s been a concern, while Borucki’s departure clears room for a fresh look. The outcome could guide quick speculative adds in holds or even saves for a Pirates relief corps that needs dependable arms down the stretch.
