Pirates Roster Moves: Hunter Barco Optioned to Indianapolis

The Pittsburgh Pirates optioned left-handed pitcher Hunter Barco to Triple-A Indianapolis and recalled fellow left-hander Evan Sisk ahead of Monday’s game against the Washington Nationals .

Barco made four appearances with the Pirates to begin the year totaling seven innings. The 25-year-old allowed seven runs (five earned) on eight hits with seven walks and five strikeouts.

The Pirates intend to stretch Barco out as a starter with Indianapolis. Last year, he made 21 appearances/17 starts with Triple-A and went 3-1 with a 3.79 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 73.2 innings. Barco is currently ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 88th-best prospect.

Sisk will take Barco’s place in the bullpen. The 28-year-old made six relief appearances with Indianapolis and allowed two runs (one earned) in 7.2 innings. He allowed six hits, walked seven and struck out 14.

The Pirates acquired Sisk from the Kansas City Royals at last year’s trade deadline. He made 14 appearances with Pittsburgh after the trade and went 1-1 with a 4.38 ERA, five walks and 14 strikeouts in 12.1 innings. Opponents hit .244 with a .673 OPS against him.

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