Pirates Option Roansy Contreras And Select Chase De Jong; Luis Oviedo DFA’d

The Pirates announced that they have optioned right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras to Triple-A Indianapolis and selected the contract for fellow righty Chase De Jong. To make room on the 40-man roster, Luis Oviedo was designated for assignment.

The Pirates brought up Contreras in wake of Duane Underwood Jr.’s Opening Day hamstring injury that landed him on the injured list. In three appearances out of the bullpen, Contreras posted a 3.52 ERA/3.73 FIP with 10 strikeouts in 7.2 innings.

Arguably the team’s top pitching prospect, Contreras will join the Indianapolis rotation and get stretched out as a starter.

De Jong has gotten off to a hot start in Triple-A and was part of the combined no-hitter the Indians threw earlier this month. In 13 innings to begin the year, De Jong is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 19 strikeouts.

The 28-year-old De Jong made nine starts with the Pirates last season, going 1-4 with a 5.77 ERA.

Oviedo was acquired from the Mets after they selected him in the Rule 5 draft last offseason. He pitched to an 8.80 ERA/5.66 FIP a season ago in a tick shy of 30 innings. The right-hander has posted a 4.91 ERA in 3.2 innings so far this season between High-A and Double-A. He was recently activated off the injured list and optioned to Altoona.