Pirates Place Anthony Banda on 10-Day IL With Illness; Recall Sam Howard

The Pirates announced that they have place left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda on the 10-day injured list with a non-COVID illness. To take his place on the active roster, fellow southpaw Sam Howard has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Banda has made five appearances on the year and has only allowed one earned run with five strikeouts. He’s made only one appearance since April 15 — he pitched 0.2 innings on April 20 in Milwaukee.

Howard was recently optioned to Indianapolis after completing a rehab assignment as he worked his way back from a back injury. He’s made two appearances with Indianapolis, giving up one run in 2.1 innings on two hits, a walk and a strikeout.

Howard has pitched to a 5.05 ERA/4.84 ERA over 66 innings the last two seasons with the Pirates and will now give the Pirates a needed fresh-arm in the bullpen.