The Pittsburgh Pirates announced a swap of right-handed bullpen personnel Tuesday afternoon, optioning Hunter Stratton to Triple-A Indianapolis and recalling Michael Darrell-Hicks from the Indians.

Stratton on Monday did not have a strong outing against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Relieving Braxton Ashcraft in the fourth inning, he allowed three runs on four hits, hitting a batter with a walk and strikeout in his first big-league appearance since May 1.

Stratton, who’s hoping to return to his 2024 form (2-1, 3.58 ERA in 32 games) before suffering a season-ending rupture of his left patella tendon in early August, now owns a 23.63 ERA this year.

Over three games with the Pirates this season, he’s allowed seven runs in 2 2/3 innings.

He was originally called up from Triple-A on June 21.

With the Indians, Stratton is 0-1 with a 3.65 ERA through 21 appearances.

As for Darrell-Hicks, he joins the Pirates for the first time since being claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels on June 13.

The 27-year-old was immediately assigned to Triple-A and delivered two scoreless frames with a strikeout and two walks.

He made his MLB on April 11 of this year with the Angels and had a 9.39 ERA over six games with the club upon being designated for assignment June 8.

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