Moreta posted a 3.07 ERA in 16 rehab outings with Triple-A Indianapolis and will stick around in Indy for the time being.
Dauri Moreta is closing in on a return to the big leagues. He’s just going to need to wait a little while longer.
On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced they activated the right-handed relief pitcher from the 60-day injured list following a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs in 10 innings. The Bucs optioned Moreta to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Dauri Moreta, Wrong Way Slider Release (slow)
This one had 10″ of wrong way movement. pic.twitter.com/TFvLclZ9O2
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 16, 2023
To make room on the 40-man roster, catcher Brett Sullivan was designated for assignment. Sullivan, 31, recorded one hit in six at-bats, with two RBIs against the Miami Marlins, and three strikeouts in three games.
Acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in the Kevin Newman trade prior to the 2023 season, Moreta underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-March 2024 and missed all of last year.
Moreta, 29, pitched well for the Pirates in multiple different roles, including a setup man, and was brought on to get out of jams with runners on base. He totaled a 3.72 ERA and 1.086 WHIP in 58 innings spanning 55 outings.
Nicknamed “Big Bank” flashing the money sign, with his hands, walking off the mound, Moreta will likely be a part of the Pirates’ bullpen at some point this season.
Dauri Moreta, Wrong Way Slider release.
11 inches arm side break. pic.twitter.com/AMU5vsH5aP
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 24, 2023
He pitched well during his rehab assignment, allowing five runs through 14.2 innings (3.07 ERA) in 16 outings with the Indians. Walks have been a concern for Moreta. He’s struck out 20 batters in Indianapolis, but walked 12 and allowed 10 hits.
Moreta has worked out of jams also threw two wild pitches during that span. He only threw three all of last season.
A high-strikeout pitcher, Moreta punched out 76 hitters in 2024, compared to 24 walks. Braxton Ashcraft, Carmen Mlodzinski, and others have helped stabilize the Pirates’ bullpen following a shaky start.
The Pirates (29-44) play one of baseball’s best teams, the Detroit Tigers (46-27), at Comerica Park on Tuesday. Bailey Falter starts for the Buccos, opposite former No. 1 pick Casey Mize at 6:40 p.m.