Chris Devenski endured a scary moment this spring when a line drive struck him on the side of the head during a Grapefruit League game on March 13, causing a concussion.
It probably took longer than he would’ve liked, in part due to the head injury, but Devenski has worked his way back to the Major Leagues.
The Pirates on Wednesday selected his contract and added Devenski to the 40-man roster to bolster their bullpen.
Without a doubt, Devenski said pregame at PNC Park, this one means a little more because he pretty much saw his life flash before his eyes about six weeks ago.
"That was definitely a challenging time," said Devenski, who was noticeably woozy afterward and was diagnosed with a concussion. "I had thoughts of, ‘Am I ever gonna do this again?’ It was scary. It feels good. I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be right now.
To make room on the active roster, the Pirates optioned Hunter Barco. They designated Ryan Harbin to clear the necessary space on the 40-man roster.
Devenski has appeared in seven Minor League games this season, pitching to an 0.84 ERA with just two walks and 15 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings. His last outing with Triple-A Indianapolis came April 24.
Over a 10-year career, Devenski has pitched for the Astros, Rays, Diamondbacks, Phillies, Angels and Mets, going 27-22 with a 3.91 ERA in 416 2/3 innings over 316 games.
Last season, while pitching in New York, Devenski produced a 2.16 ERA in 13 MLB appearances.
"I think my preparation and confidence," Devenski said when asked what's been working for him in the Minors. "Coming back from the injury I had, took some time to get better. Just getting ahead in counts, putting guys away, trusting my stuff."
The Pirates have been chasing fresh pitching after Monday’s bullpen day. Wilber Dotel and Cam Sanders were optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis the next day.
They’ll need innings after Hunter Barco threw 84 pitches Tuesday in an 11-7 loss to the Cardinals.
Devenski should occupy a different role than Barco, Dotel or Urquidy — current or former starters capable of eating innings. Though he’s pitched multiples, Devenski is more of a traditional reliever.
"To get an opportunity with this team and how they’re doing right now, to join along, it’s cool spot to be in," Devenski said. "I just want to take the ball whenever I'm called upon, go out there and get outs."
One intriguing pitch with Devenski has been his changeup, which netted a .138 batting average against last season and .163 in 2024. He throws it a bunch, including a career-high 51.5% in 2023, but it’s a low-spin offering with downward movement that he can throw for swing and miss and chase.
Devenski also features a four-seam fastball, a sweeper he threw more than ever last season and an occasional cutter.
The moment will surely feel good for Devenski, who absorbed a 103-mph liner off the bat of Detroit's Woody Hadeen in Lakeland, Fla. It'll also resonate with Devenski's teammates, who were shaken while watching him get carted off the field.
Devenski was able to walk by himself but was taken to the hospital that night for observation before returning to games on April 3.
It's been a long road. But a credit to the career journeyman, Devenski never lost sight of the eventual goal.
"It’s been challenging, but I had a never-quit mentality," Devenski said. "I trust the game and where the game takes me. ... If things go right, no better place than being here because it feels right here."
Younger Pirates pitchers really loved having Devenski around during Spring Training. He's been an open book for them, brings a bunch of positive energy and doesn't plan to change now that it's the regular season.
Assuming he pitches well, it could be a mutually beneficial relationship.
"I’ve been through almost everything: winning, at the top, all the down to the bottom with two elbow surgeries and getting hit in the head," said Devenski, who was an All-Star with Houston in 2017.
"I’m all about helping somebody else. If I can help someone handle a big situation or go through something I've experience, I'm all about passing it on teammates and helping anybody in the game."
From the manager
Pirates manager Don Kelly was with Devenski in Houston when the former was first-base coach in 2019. Kelly called Devenski’s changeup “elite” and seems to value the experience the reliever can bring.
“What he’s been through, the ups-and-downs, it will definitely help,” Kelly said.
Kelly also discussed the Pirates’ decision to option Hunter Barco back to Triple-A Indianapolis. It’s a tough one considering his difficult travel day — being stuck five-plus hours in Atlanta — but it’s also part of the game.
Barco didn’t have a spectacular line — five earned runs in 4 2/3 innings — but he did give the bullpen a much-needed breather, setting the Pirates up well for the rest of the Cardinals series.
It also didn’t interrupt Barco’s work. He’s been stretched out as a starter and can theoretically take what he learned back to the Minor Leagues.
“That’s the cruel part of the game, too: coming up and doing … he did more than maybe we could’ve hoped for,” Kelly said. “Unfortunately, we had to make the roster move, and he gets sent back down to Indy after doing everything that he could possibly do to help us. I think that’s the teammate that he showed that he is.”
Looming question
Jared Triolo homered in his first rehab game with Double-A Altoona on Tuesday night while also finishing with three hits, three RBIs and two runs scored. It’s exactly what the Pirates want to see from Triolo, whose right patellar tendon continues to feel strong.
But there’s a decision looming. Whenever Triolo comes back, where does he play?
Nick Gonzales, who’s been playing third base, enters Wednesday’s game on a nine-game hitting streak, during which he’s batting .486 with two doubles, five RBIs and five runs scored. His average is all the way up to .330 ranking fourth in MLB.
Furthermore, Gonzales is hitting .370 with 15 RBIs and five walks with runners on base, an important component of the Pirates scoring more runs.
The Pirates will want to get Triolo in the lineup when he returns, but Gonzales also seems set on proving he belongs. Obviously they’re not moving Konnor Griffin, who’s 7 for 18 (.389) with two home runs, five RBIs and two stolen bases over his past five games.
“It’s a good problem to have, when you’re talking about guys who have had success and can play at a high level in different ways,” Kelly said. “We’ve got to make sure ‘Tri’ comes through this in a good spot. We’ve got some decisions to make.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH.