The Pirates are making a change in the pitching department, as it has been reported by multiple sources that Tony Watson was removed as the Pirates closer. The move comes after Watson blew his last four consecutive saves. Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle says that the it will be “closer by committee” and they will look to Felipe Rivero and Juan Nicasio to handle the closing duties based on the game situation. Watson will be given less stressful opportunities in the future in an attempt to get him back on track. In 24 appearances, Watson is 4-1 with 10 saves, five blown saves and a 4.44 Earned Run Average.
Some good news for the Pirates. Pitcher Jameson Taillon could return to the Pirates soon. Taillon has been out for a while as he battled testicular cancer. As of late, he has been working warmup assignments in the minors, pitching a game for the Altoona Curve before moving up for two starts in triple-A Indianapolis. In those combined starts, he went 14 innings, allowed five runs and struck out 21 batters.
