Pirates Option Jose Hernandez to Indianapolis

Following Wednesday’s game against the New York Mets, the Pittsburgh Pirates optioned left-handed pitcher Jose Hernandez to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Through the early portion of the season, Hernandez has already had a pair of stints with the Pirates. He was not going to be on the initial 26-man roster, but took the place of Roansy Contreras, who went on the paternity list. Hernandez was briefly optioned upon Contreras’ return but was quickly recalled to replaced the injured Ryan Borucki.

Through six appearances with Pittsburgh to begin the season, Hernandez is 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA and one save. In 4.2 innings, he’s struck out four batters and has walked three, one intentionally.

Hernandez took the loss against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday and allowed three baserunners while recording one out in his latest appearance on Tuesday night against the Mets.

No corresponding move has been made to take Hernandez’s spot. The Pirates say one will come prior to Friday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.

Of note, the Pirates have yet to announce a starting pitcher for Friday. Marco Gonzales, who pitched six innings in Philadelphia on Saturday, was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm muscle strain the following day.

The Pirates have a handful of candidates who could fill the rotation void waiting at Triple-A. Our John Perrotto examined some possibilities earlier in the week.