Games like Sunday's 19-inning marathon in St. Louis tend to lead to roster moves -- especially when it's the next day's starter that picks up the win, like Wandy Rodriguez did for Pittsburgh.
The Pirates announced a flurry of moves Monday in response: Reliever Juan Cruz was designated for assignment, infielder Jordy Mercer was placed on paternity leave, and pitchers Kyle McPherson and Justin Wilson were recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Cruz owned a solid 2.78 ERA but it was built on a shaky foundation -- he walked 4.8 batters per nine innings and had a huge 1.62 WHIP. Things appeared to be catching up -- from June 3 onward, Cruz a 4.50 ERA in 16 innings, including 15 strikeouts against 11 walks. He was the only Pirates reliever to allow a run in Sunday's game.
With Rodriguez forced to pitch, the Pirates also announced Kevin Correia will make a spot start in Monday's game at San Diego.
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