Pirates Roster Moves: Johan Oviedo Optioned, Reliever Cam Sanders Selected for MLB Debut
The Pittsburgh Pirates optioned right-handed starter Johan Oviedo to Triple-A Indianapolis and selected the contract of relief pitcher Cam Sanders on Tuesday.
Oviedo started for the Pirates in their 5-4 win over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night, his first big-league start since 2023. The 27-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery and suffered a setback in a lat strain at spring training in March.
Oviedo lasted just one inning in his return to the mound. He labored through 43 pitches and allowed a pair of runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Since a quartet of Pirates’ relievers combined to cover the final eight innings of Monday’s game, a bullpen reinforcement was needed. Enter Sanders, a 28-year-old right-hander who signed with the Pirates as a minor-league free agent in the offseason.
Sanders, who was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 12th round in 2018 out of LSU, started the 2025 season with Double-A Altoona, where he recorded nine saves across 18 appearances and posted a 1.90 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 23.2 innings. He only allowed 12 hits and walked 13 batters.
Sanders was promoted to Indianapolis in June where he continued to perform well. Across 15 appearances, Sanders pitched to a 1.93 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 18.2 innings and recorded a pair of saves.
The Pirates had several open spots on their 40-man roster, which now consists of 38 players.
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