Pirates promote Bryan Morris to Majors; Drew Sutton claimed off waivers

The Pittsburgh Pirates today recalled right-handed relief pitcher Bryan Morris from Triple-A Indianapolis and claimed infielder Drew Sutton off waivers from Tampa Bay. The announcement was made by Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington. To make room on the 25-man active roster for Morris, the team has optioned Jordy Mercer to Triple-A Indianapolis. To make room for Sutton on the 40-man roster, pitcher Charlie Morton has been transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. A corresponding move on the 25-man active roster will be made once Sutton joins the Pirates.

Morris went 1-2 with five saves, a 2.28 ERA (43.1ip/11er) and 44 strikeouts in 23 relief appearances this year for Indianapolis. Since the beginning of May, he has posted a 1.34 ERA (33.2ip/5er) in 16 appearances. He has also allowed just one earned run over his last 17.0 innings (nine appearances) since May 25.

Sutton began the season with Gwinnett (Braves’ AAA), where he hit .270 (37-for-137) with 10 doubles, two triples, 15 RBI and 19 runs scored in 38 games before being acquired by the Pirates organization on May 20. He was then traded to Tampa Bay the next day, where he hit .271 (13- for-48) with four doubles, six RBI and two runs scored in 18 games before being designated for assignment on Friday.

Since breaking into the big leagues in 2009, the switch-hitting infielder has hit .261 (54-for-207) with 16 doubles, one triple, three home runs, 30 RBI and 28 runs scored in 104 games with Cincinnati (2009-10), Cleveland (2010), Boston (2011) and Tampa Bay (2012).