The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a roster move, reinstating 23-year-old pitcher Quinn Priester from the injured list and optioning experienced outfielder Edward Olivares to Triple-A Indianapolis. This decision was announced ahead of Tuesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
With Bailey Falter recently placed on the injured list and Joshua Palacios joining the team, the Pirates needed to adjust their roster by adding a starting pitcher and reducing their outfield depth. Josh Fleming was named as the starter for Tuesday’s game, with the possibility of him serving as an opener and Priester taking over for the bulk of the innings. Priester is expected to fill Falter’s spot in the rotation until the left-hander returns to full health.
In six starts with the Pirates in 2024, Priester has a record of 0-5, a 4.83 ERA, and a 1.547 WHIP. He performed better in Indianapolis, where he posted a 3-1 record with a 3.21 ERA and a 1.069 WHIP during his rehab assignment. Given the extended rehab needed for veteran lefty Marco Gonzales, Priester, a first-round pick in the 2019 June Amateur Draft, was the logical choice for the call-up. This move also confirms that recent addition Brent Honeywell Jr. will continue to be utilized out of the bullpen.
Olivares, 28, started the season strong but has struggled recently, going 0-for-9 in his last four games and seeing his slash line drop to .224/.291/.333. His demotion means that the energetic Palacios will remain with the team. Palacios has been impressive since his return, reaching base in more than half of his plate appearances over five games and hitting a towering home run in Monday’s 8-2 win over the New York Mets.
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For now, this decision provides a reprieve for the struggling Michael A. Taylor, who remains with the team due to his superior defensive skills and ability to play center field. If Taylor were producing offensively, Olivares might have stayed on as a platoon partner with the left-handed-hitting Palacios. However, Palacios has shown competence against lefties and may be given more opportunities to spark the Pirates’ underperforming offense.
Additionally, the Pirates announced that left-handed reliever Justin Bruihl has accepted his outright assignment to Indianapolis.
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