Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Notches first career save
Rotowire
Mlodzinski picked up a save against the Reds on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one batter over one inning.
In a wild contest during which Pittsburgh overcame a 9-0 deficit and put up four eighth-inning runs against All-Star closer Alexis Diaz, Mlodzinski -- not usual closer David Bednar -- was called upon to hold a two-run Pirates lead in the ninth. That was likely due to Bednar pitching each of the previous two days, but regardless it was a prime opportunity for Mlodzinski to shine. Things didn't begin well for the rookie right-hander, as he gave up two straight hits to begin the frame and saw the tying run move to third base with just one out. However, Mlodzinski bounced back with an epic 11-pitch faceoff against Elly De La Cruz that ended with a punchout before also striking out Jonathan India to end the contest. Mlodzinski thus earned the first save of his career and made another positive impression in a strong first season during which he has posted a 2.14 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 32:16 K:BB and nine holds over 33.2 innings.
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Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Returns to action
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The Pirates reinstated Mlodzinski (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Friday.
Mlodzinski landed on the injured list Aug. 12 with a sore right elbow, and he'll rejoin Pittsburgh's bullpen after just one rehab appearance. The 24-year-old righty threw one inning during that assignment, allowing one unearned run on two hits and a walk while striking out a batter. He's been fairly reliable out of the bullpen for Pittsburgh when healthy and could be a source of holds during the final month of the season.
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Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Lands on IL
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The Pirates placed Mlodzinski on the 15-day injured list Saturday with right elbow soreness, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Mlodzinski has been one of the most reliable options out of the bullpen for Pittsburgh this season with a 2.28 ERA and 1.27 WHIP through 23.2 innings. His injury is being described as "minor," so there is a good chance the 24-year-old righty is able to return from the IL after a minimum stay.
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Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Selected to MLB bullpen
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Pittsburgh selected Mlodzinski's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.
Drafted by the Pirates with the No. 31 overall pick in 2020, Mlodzinski moved exclusively into a relief role this year with Indianapolis and it has allowed him to make a quicker ascent to the majors. The 24-year-old right-hander had a 3.16 ERA with 31 strikeouts through 25.2 innings this season at the Triple-A level.
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Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Working in relief at Triple-A
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Mlodzinski, 24, has worked exclusively out of the bullpen this year for Triple-A Indianapolis.
The 6-foot-2 righty was trending toward a swing man role in the majors, and moving to relief could give him a chance for his stuff to tick up enough to expedite his ascent to the big leagues. Mlodzinski, the No. 31 overall pick in 2020, has a 4.50 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 16 innings through 12 appearances.
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Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Reassigned to minor-league camp
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The Pirates reassigned Mlodzinski to minor-league camp Tuesday.
Mlodzinski struggled last season with Double-A Altoona, putting up a 4.78 ERA and 1.42 WHIP, but a 9.5 K/9 and 3.45 FIP suggest there is more under the surface with the 24-year-old righty. He's had a solid spring thus far and will likely return to Double-A to start the year, but there's a good chance he reaches Triple-A before the end of the season.
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Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Impressing in exhibition season
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Mlodzinski has thrown 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing one hit, striking out five and walking two in Grapefruit League action.
Mlodzinski struggled on the surface to a 4.78 ERA across 105.1 innings with Double-A Altoona in 2022, but his 24.1 percent strikeout rate and 0.9 HR/9 were more impressive. He's in camp as a non-roster invitee and won't break camp with the Pirates, though he could start the campaign with Triple-A Indianapolis. Regardless of where he begins the regular season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Mlodzinski make his big-league debut at some point in 2023.
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Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Placed on injured list
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Mlodzinski was placed on the 7-day injured list at Double-A Altoona with a shoulder injury Thursday, retroactive to May 11, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Mlodzinski missed part of the 2021 season due to a shoulder injury but made six starts at Triple-A Indianapolis over the first month of the 2022 campaign. He posted a 4.63 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 23 innings but will now be forced to miss time with his current shoulder issue. It's not yet clear whether the injury is related to the one that forced him to miss time in 2021, and the right-hander doesn't yet have a timetable to return.
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Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Completes sim game
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Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk confirmed Wednesday that Mlodzinski (shoulder) recently tossed a live batting practice session, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.
Mlodzinski will likely face hitters in BP sessions or simulated games at least a couple more times before the Pirates clear him to begin a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League. The 22-year-old right-hander posted a 2.63 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 41 innings at High-A Greensboro before being shut down in mid-June with right shoulder soreness.
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Pirates' Carmen Mlodzinski: Nearing mound work
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Mlodzinski (shoulder) is expected to throw off the slope of the mound this week, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.
Mlodzinski was removed from a game at High-A Greensboro on July 10 after he experienced stiffness in his right shoulder, and he was placed on the 7-day minor-league injured list July 12. However, the right-hander resumed throwing last week, and he'll take another step in his recovery once he resumes mound work.
