Stolmy

Pimentel

Pimentel suffered the injury on Tuesday, but thinks he’ll be able to resume throwing within the next few days. The 22-year-old posted a 6.79 ERA and 65/39 K/BB ratio over 102 innings between High-A Salem and Double-A Portland last season.

Pimentel could be down for a couple of weeks. The 22-year-old right-hander had an ugly 2011, registering a 6.79 ERA in 102 innings between the Double-A and Single-A levels. And he’s now off to a poor start in 2012.

Pimentel was added to the 40-man roster over the offseason in order to be protected from the Rule 5 draft, but he’s not close to major league-ready. He posted a 9.12 ERA in 15 starts last season in his first taste of Double-A, but the Sox still like his arm and he just turned 22 last month.

Pimentel, who turns 23 in February, owns a 4.37 ERA over six seasons in the minors. Once regarded as one of organization’s top prospects, his star has faded over the past two seasons. He had a 4.59 ERA and 86/42 K/BB ratio over 115 2/3 innings with Double-A Portland in 2012. The Pirates will hope for a rebound.

Pimentel was the only Pirates’ pitcher or catcher who didn’t report on time, which isn’t the best way to make a first impression with his new club. The 23-year-old right-hander was acquired from the Red Sox in December as part of the Joel Hanrahan deal.

Pimentel was the only Pirates’ pitcher who didn’t report on time, but he managed to solve his visa issues in his native Dominican Republic. The 23-year-old right-hander was acquired from the Red Sox in December as part of the Joel Hanrahan deal.

Pimentel has posted a decent 3.35 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 123/56 K/BB ratio in 169 1/3 innings this season in the Pirates’ minor league system. Pittsburgh is going with an all-hands-on-deck approach down the stretch.

When discussing Pimentel, Hurdle stated “He’s a very exciting young man to watch. We like his makeup and his skills. And what we were able to get from him last year.” The talented 24-year-old right-hander is out of minor league options, so it seems an extreme likelihood that he cracks the roster, most likely in the bullpen.

It’s safe to say Pimentel will have a few scouts watching him this spring. He’s out of options, and while the Pirates could squeeze him into their pen, they have so many strong options there that they might be better off cashing him in for a prospect.

Pimentel cleared waivers after being designated for assignment a week ago and will remain in the organization. He’ll provide some right-handed depth at Triple-A.