The Pittsburgh Pirates made a pair of bullpen-related roster moves Friday ahead of their first of three games in Anaheim against the Angels, activating left-handed reliever Jose Hernandez from the 15-day injured list and optioning righty Yohan Ramirez to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Hernandez, sidelined with a right calf strain since mid-June, completed a rehabilitation assignment with the Indians. Over five games, including two starts, he posted a 3.38 ERA, striking out six with three walks issued in 5 1/3 innings of work.
On the year with the Pirates, Hernandez owns a 0-1 record and 2.63 ERA, with 28 strikeouts and only six walks over 27 1/3 innings pitched.
He last appeared for the Pirates on June 17 against Milwaukee.
Hernandez, 25, adds a third left-handed option, along with Ryan Borucki and Angel Perdomo, within the bullpen.
He made his MLB debut with the Pirates on April 1.
As for Ramirez, he began the season as one of the steadier relief options at the Pirates’ disposal, producing a solid month of May in which he had a 0.69 ERA over eight appearances.
But the summer months have been unkind to the 28-year-old, whose effectiveness tailed off in June (9.00 ERA in seven games) and July (9.53 ERA in four games).
On the year, he is 1-0 with a 4.25 ERA over 23 games.
With the two moves, as well as right-handed pitcher Wil Crowe’s designation for assignment Wednesday, the Pirates’ 40-man roster is at full capacity.
