Duke

Welker

Welker tossed one scoreless inning in his only appearance this spring. The 26-year-old right-hander was added to the 40-man roster in November after posting a 2.76 ERA and 50/26 K/BB ratio over 62 innings as a reliever last season between High-A Bradenton and Double-A Altoona. Baseball America did not include him among the organization’s Top 30 prospects over the winter.

Welker, who turns 26 in February, compiled a 2.76 ERA and 50/26 K/BB ratio over 62 innings as a reliever this season between High-A Bradenton and Double-A Altoona. The 2007 second-round pick has made some encouraging strides with his command, so the Pirates are hoping he has finally turned a corner.

Welker put together a nice year between Double- and Triple-A this season, posting a 2.29 ERA over 41 appearances. He’ll have a shot at a bullpen spot next spring.

The Pirates had to clear a roster spot for Francisco Liriano’s return from the DL, so Welker will be sent down. He failed to appear in a game during his brief callup.

Welker spent three days in the majors earlier this season but did not make an appearance. The right-hander will serve as middle relief depth for the Pirates.

Welker has allowed just one unearned run over 16 innings of work this season while posting a 16/8 K/BB ratio. He’ll provide a fresh arm for the bullpen.

Welker made two scoreless appearances for the Pirates earlier this season and put up a 3.48 ERA with over a strikeout per inning at the Triple-A level. He could carve out a role as a middle reliever in Minnesota.

He was sent down to make room for Jeanmar Gomez’s return from the disabled list. Welker tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings over two appearances during his brief stint with the big club.

Welker was acquired by Minnesota in September to complete the Justin Morneau trade, but now he’s headed back to Pittsburgh. Passan says it’s unclear at this point what the Twins will receive in return. Welker, 27, posted a 3.57 ERA and 65/31 K/BB ratio in 63 innings this past summer for the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate.

Pittsburgh shipped Welker to Minnesota in September as part of the Justin Morneau trade, but now the 27-year-old right-hander is back with the team that selected him in the second round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft. Welker had a 3.57 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 63 innings this past summer at Triple-A. He’s a decent relief prospect.