The Pirates have released righty Wilfredo Boscan, per a team announcement. His 40-man spot will go to Ryan Vogelsong, who’ll return after surgery for facial fractures. Infielder Max Moroff was optioned to free up an active-roster slot.
[Related: Updated Pirates Depth Chart]
Boscan, 26, didn’t impress in his first crack at the major league level. But he has shown some promise in the upper minors, including a 3.07 ERA last year at Triple-A. Over his 84 frames in the International League in 2016, Boscan posted a 3.75 ERA with 5.5 K/9 and 1.5 BB/9.
As for Vogelsong, it’s certainly great to see him back in action after he was struck in the face by a pitch in late May. The 39-year-old, who signed with the Bucs for a $2MM guarantee as a free agent, has a 3.74 ERA with 16 strikeouts and ten walks over 21 2/3 innings.
Vogelsong’s tale is well known, but remains remarkable. After struggling for several years with the Giants and then the Bucs, he played for three years in Japan and another in the upper minors before breaking out with San Francisco in 2011. He settled in as a durable innings-eater after two high-quality campaigns, and remains a useful pitcher as he nears his fortieth birthday.
its great to see vogey back but not like he’ll be much help..our rotation is in shambles right now
Loved Vogey as a Giant, glad to see him back. Great player, great guy.
Boscan’s OK, but no room at the inn with all of these prospects pitching well. Hopefully he gets another shot somewhere else. He was certainly patient enough in PIttsburgh: the first 3 times the Pirates called him up between last year and this, he never appeared in a game.
Welcome back Vogi! We miss you in SF but are just glad you got through the hbp injury. Stay strong!
I saw them retire his number at my alma mater. Was pretty neat, but the Andre Reed event the year before had more fanfare, got the stadium named after him, etc.