PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates recalled right-hander Clay Holmes from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned outfielder Jordan Luplow in a corresponding move before Tuesday night's 6-1 loss to the Braves at PNC Park.
Holmes pitched the eighth and ninth innings on Tuesday, recording two strikeouts and issuing two walks while allowing one earned run.
He has now appeared in six games for the Pirates in 2018 and has given up 13 runs over 17 innings. He was recently recalled to make a spot start against the Giants on Aug. 10. He struggled in the outing, giving up seven earned runs on eight hits while walking four and striking out one over 2 2/3 innings.
The Pirates now sport an eight-man bullpen. Despite the depth, the addition of Holmes bolsters a bullpen that had been called on to pitch 10 innings over the previous two days due to Chris Archer's injury on Monday and an 11-inning affair on Sunday.
"We've used our bridge guys to get to our closer three out of four days behind in games," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said of the decision to employ Holmes on Tuesday. "So, unless you want to run Edgar Santana out there for a third day in a row down, 2-0, you've got other men up here. You've got to post up and find out what they can do. Give them the opportunity to pitch."
Luplow has appeared in 22 games during his two stints with the Pirates this season, slashing .174/.255/.348 with two home runs.
Pittsburgh also announced right-hander Casey Sadler, who was designated for assignment on Aug. 16, has been outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis.