Pirates Roster Moves: Hunter Stratton Optioned for New Reliever

The Pittsburgh Pirates are recalling right-handed relief pitcher Michael Darrell-Hicks and optioning fellow righty reliever Hunter Stratton to Triple-A Indianapolis prior to Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Darrell-Hicks, 27, was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on June 13 after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-hander made his MLB debut on Apr. 11 of this season and totaled six relief appearances with the Angels. In 7.2 innings, he allowed eight runs on 10 hits with six strikeouts and four walks.

In 19 games in Triple-A this season, Darrell-Hicks is 0-2 with an 8.14 ERA, 10 walks and 24 strikeouts in 24.1 innings. He’s made a pair of scoreless appearances with Indianapolis after joining the Pirates’ organization.

Across four minor-league seasons, Darrell-Hicks is 13-14 with a 4.30 ERA, 10 saves and 227 strikeouts in 205 innings.

Stratton allowed three runs in an inning of relief in the Pirates’ 5-4 win over the Brewers on Monday night. The 28-year-old, who returned to the mound this season after rupturing his patella tendon last season, has allowed seven runs on 10 hits in 2.2 innings across a pair of stints with Pittsburgh this season.

At Indianapolis, Stratton has a 3.65 ERA across 21 appearances.