Pirates Send Young Lefty to Triple-A for Rotation Starts

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a roster move this week, sending left-hander Hunter Barco down to Triple-A Indianapolis after a rough start in the majors. This shift opens up a spot for another lefty in the bullpen and shows the Pirates are still trying to juggle short-term needs with their bigger pitching plans.

They’re also gearing up for a home series against the Washington Nationals. Paul Skenes gets the ball for the opener.

What happened to Hunter Barco

The Pirates sent Barco back to the minors after just four relief outings. He struggled, giving up runs in three of those games and surrendering seven runs (five earned) over seven innings.

That left him with a 6.43 ERA and a 2.14 WHIP. He gave up three home runs, struck out five, and walked five. Barco didn’t pitch regularly between April 4 and his last appearance, and that probably didn’t help his rhythm.

Pirates manager Don Kelly says the team wants to stretch Barco out as a starter in the future. They know he’s got upside, but his first big-league stint didn’t quite click. The Pirates have tried this approach before, letting prospects break in as bulk relievers before moving them to the rotation. It worked out for Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler, but not so much for Barco this year.

• Stats from the big leagues: 7 runs (5 earned) in 7 innings
• ERA/WHIP: 6.43 ERA, 2.14 WHIP
• Breath of work: 4 relief appearances, 5 strikeouts, 5 walks
• Spring training contrast: strong camp initial numbers (3 earned runs in 11.2 innings with 15 strikeouts) but control issues (eight walks)

Barco’s minor-league form and long-term potential

Barco’s 2025 minor-league numbers have looked much better behind the scenes. He went 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis.

He didn’t allow a run in 25.2 innings over six Double-A starts. The Pirates still seem to believe he could become a front-line starter, if they can help him harness his control and consistency.

Depth added in the bullpen: Evan Sisk comes up

Barco’s move clears a roster spot for lefty reliever Evan Sisk, who’s coming up from Triple-A. Sisk has some MLB experience with the Royals and, at 28, he’s been through the grind of the minors for a while.

Earlier this season, he gave up six runs in 12.1 innings with Pittsburgh after coming over in the Bailey Falter trade. He’s also posted a 1.30 WHIP in 14 outings at different levels this year.

• Roster move: Barco optioned to Indianapolis to free a spot for Sisk
• MLB experience: Has appeared in games for the Royals
• Recent Pirates numbers: 6 earned runs in 12.1 innings this season; 1.30 WHIP in 14 outings

Looking ahead: Nationals series and what’s next

The Pirates are set to host the Washington Nationals at PNC Park. Paul Skenes gets the nod for the series opener.

Skenes has a real shot to carve out his place in a rotation that’s still taking shape, especially after Barco’s recent move. Fans are watching closely—will Barco’s time in Indianapolis help him find better command and stamina?

There’s also the bullpen to consider. Can Sisk help steady things? The rest of the pitching staff faces a tough early-season stretch, and it’s anyone’s guess how they’ll hold up.

 
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