Pirates Place Luis Oviedo on IL; Recall Kyle Keller

The Pirates announced that right-hander Luis Oviedo has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain, ending his season. Fellow righty Kyle Keller has been recalled to take his spot on the active roster.

It is interesting timing to place Oviedo on the injured list considering he has not pitched for the Bucs since the 12th of this month. 2021 was a struggle for the Rule 5 pick, as he pitched to an 8.80 ERA in 29.2 innings with the Pirates, which was his first action above Class-A for his career. Oviedo did finish strong, posting a 2.70 ERA in his final 10 innings (8 games) to finish off the year.

Having met his roster requirements as part of the Rule 5 Draft stipulations, Oviedo will remain with the Pirates and can start next season in the minor leagues. It is possible that he will be stretched out as a starter, as he was used as a starting pitcher in Cleveland’s minor league system before being acquired from the Mets in a Rule 5 trade.

Keller is back with the Pirates just one day after being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. In 29.1 innings pitched this season, Keller is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in Pittsburgh. This will mark Keller’s forth stint with the Pirates in 2021.