Kyle

McPherson

He’ll take the place of Juan Cruz on the active roster. McPherson got a late start this season due to shoulder inflammation, but posted a solid 3.60 ERA and 58/7 K/BB ratio in 60 innings over 11 starts between Double- and Triple-A. The 24-year-old right-hander has a chance to make it as a mid-rotation starter in the big leagues, but he’ll likely pitch in middle relief down the stretch.

It’s the first time Erik Bedard’s spot will come up in the rotation since his release earlier this week. We’re assuming it’s a spot-start situation, but matchups don’t get much better than this one. Give the 24-year-old a shot in NL-only leagues.

Locke, not Kyle McPherson, will take Erik Bedard’s spot in the starting rotation. A.J. Burnett was previously expected to start, but he’ll presumably be pushed back to Sunday. Locke made two appearances with the Pirates earlier this month and owns a 2.48 ERA and 131/43 K/BB ratio over 141 2/3 innings this season at the Triple-A level.

There was some speculation that McPherson would take Erik Bedard’s spot in the rotation and start Tuesday against the Astros, but that’s not the case. Jeff Locke is expected to be called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday and start against the Brewers, effectively taking the place of Bedard.

McPherson tossed two innings last Monday in his major league debut and was immediately sent back down to the minors. The 24-year-old right-hander had a solid 3.22 ERA and 63/9 K/BB ratio over 67 innings between Double- and Triple-A this season and will provide bullpen depth down the stretch.

The move was made on Tuesday. McPherson was called up for some insurance Monday and tossed two scoreless innings in his major league debut. Look for him to return in September.

Karstens was previously dealing with a left groin injury, so it’s not clear if this is a new injury. Either way, he’s obviously not 100 percent. He was tagged for four runs on five hits (including a two-run homer) before being replaced by Kyle McPherson.

He’s taking James McDonald’s spot in the rotation. McPherson has earned the chance with some fine work out the bullpen since being promoted last month, posting a 1.54 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 11/2 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old is a decent prospect but is a risky streaming option against the red-hot Brewers.

It was his first major league start and he was lifted after throwing just 71 pitches. The 24-year-old right-hander is likely to take at least one more turn in the Pirates’ rotation but he carries no fantasy value.

McPherson racked up a career-high five strikeouts in the outstanding start. The 24-year-old right-hander now owns a 2.73 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 21/7 K/BB ratio through 26 1/3 innings. With his strong late-season performance, he’s likely earned a chance to compete for a rotation spot next spring.