ST. LOUIS -- The Pirates are addressing their ongoing bullpen need by recalling Wilber Dotel, optioning Isaac Mattson to Triple-A Indianapolis to clear roster space.
It's seemingly a move that works in a couple ways.
One, Dotel has pitched well in limited time with the big club, producing a 1.35 ERA in three appearances totaling 6 2/3 innings.
Dotel will give the Pirates more length and someone could can cover middle innings.
His fastball sits in the upper-90s and has proven himself capable of pitching at this level.
Meanwhile, Mattson has been one of several back-end relievers who have encountered some struggles this year. He has a 4.12 ERA in 21 games, but he's also given up seven earned runs since April 30.
Mattson may need the time down to work on things. There are certainly others struggling. But it buys Mattson a little bit of time to get right while Dotel gets another opportunity to help the Major League club.
Dotel is expected to join the team later Wednesday in St. Louis.
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.