The Pittsburgh Pirates have brought Quinn Priester back to the active roster and demoted Edward Olivares to Triple-A Indianapolis. The team made these moves ahead of Tuesday night’s game in Milwaukee against the Brewers. Given Bailey Falter’s recent placement on the injured list and Joshua Palacios joining the roster, the Pirates needed to add a starting pitcher and reduce their outfield depth accordingly.
Josh Fleming has been designated as the starter for Tuesday’s game, potentially serving in an “opener” role with Quinn Priester expected to handle the majority of innings afterward. Priester may fill in Bailey Falter’s rotation slot until the left-hander is back to full health.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have reinstated Quinn Priester from the injured list and sent down Edward Olivares. Priester, a first-round pick in the 2019 June Amateur Draft, struggled with a 0-5 record, 4.83 ERA, and 1.547 WHIP in six starts with the Pirates in 2024. However, he performed better during his rehab assignment in Indianapolis, where he posted a 3-1 record, 3.21 ERA, and 1.069 WHIP. Veteran lefty Marco Gonzales, also on a rehab assignment, requires more time due to his extended absence.
As a result, Priester was chosen to join the roster. Additionally, the Pirates confirmed that Brent Honeywell Jr., a recent addition, will be utilized in relief.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old Olivares, who had a promising start to the season with some key hits but struggled recently, has been sent down. He went 0-for-9 in his last four games, bringing his slash line down to .224/.291/.333. This move solidifies Joshua Palacios’ position in Pittsburgh, as he has made a strong impact since returning to the team. Palacios has been on base in over half of his plate appearances across five games and capped Monday’s 8-2 victory over the New York Mets with a towering home run into the right-field stands.
The decision also grants a temporary respite to Michael A. Taylor, who has been struggling. Taylor’s advantage over Olivares lies in his superior defensive skills, particularly in center field. While Olivares could have stayed on as a platoon partner with the left-handed-hitting Palacios if he had been performing well, Palacios has demonstrated competence against left-handed pitchers and may now receive more playing time overall to ignite the team’s lackluster offense.
Additionally, the Pirates have confirmed that left-handed reliever Justin Bruihl has accepted his assignment to Indianapolis after being outrighted.