Evan

Meek

Quite a fall from grace for Meek, who was one of the best set-up men in baseball just two years ago. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 5.59 ERA and 6/1 K/BB ratio over 9 2/3 innings this season and has shown diminished velocity. The Pirates are clearly hoping he’ll regain his form on the minor league level. No word yet on a corresponding roster move, though Doug Slaten and Daniel Moskos are possible candidates to be called up from the minors.

The Pirates are hoping Meek bounces back from last year’s shoulder problems to take over as their eighth-inning guy in front of Joel Hanrahan, but this isn’t the most promising of starts. He allowed three hits, walked two and struck out none.

Most had assumed that Evan Meek would reprise his role from last year setting up Joel Hanrahan, but journeyman Jason Grilli who will be the first option in the eighth inning. Grilli should have value in leagues which utilize holds and could even be picked up as a handcuff for Hanrahan owners in NL-only formats.

Meek was arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter. The 28-year-old right-hander was limited to just 24 relief appearances last season due to a shoulder injury, posting a 3.48 ERA and 17/12 K/BB ratio across 20 2/3 innings. He’ll function as a set-up man for closer Joel Hanrahan in 2012.

He’s clearing the way for Starling Marte’s addition to the roster. Meek has posted 6.75 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 12 appearances for the Pirates this season.

The Pirates have swapped one disappointment for another, basically. Meek was demoted late last month after posting a 5.59 ERA and 6/1 K/BB ratio over 9 2/3 innings, but he at least showed some signs of life in the minors by tossing six scoreless innings. Look for him to be eased back into action in low-leverage situations before being trusted in the late innings again.

Meek was just recalled Wednesday but allowed three runs in just one inning of work in his lone appearance. He should be back up eventually.

Meek made a brief appearance with the Pirates earlier this season and will provide bullpen depth while Juan Cruz (shoulder) is sidelined. Look for him to be used in low-leverage situations initially.

Meek was designated for assignment last Monday and surprisingly drew no claims on waivers. The 29-year-old has battled shoulder issues for the past couple seasons but was once regarded as a top setup man and potential closer. He remains in the Pirates’ system.

Meek was once considered a top setup man, but he’s thrown just 32 2/3 innings since the start of the 2012 season because of shoulder injuries and hasn’t been all that effective when healthy. The 29-year-old right-hander could draw mild interest on waivers.