Michael Darrell-Hicks Returns to the Majors with the Pirates
Reliever Michael Darrell-Hicks has been reinstated to the Major Leagues by the Pittsburgh Pirates, just two weeks after being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels. The Pirates made the decision to call up Darrell-Hicks on Tuesday, sending right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton to Triple-A Indianapolis. This move came after the need for a fresh arm, after the team used five pitchers in a 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Darrell-Hicks, 27, had a 1-0 record with a 9.39 ERA in six appearances with the Angels before being designated on June 8. The Pirates claimed him and sent him to Indianapolis, where he pitched two scoreless innings before being promoted.“It’s been a lot to digest,” Darrell-Hicks commented. “Obviously, the Major Leagues are everyone’s goal when they move up, so I’m very proud of myself. I’m not satisfied with how things have gone for me, but I’m working every day to regain the feeling I want to create on the mound and feel like myself out there.”
Michael Darrell-Hicks
For his part, Stratton, 28, had allowed seven runs in 2 2/3 innings in three games with Pittsburgh this year. His career record is 2-1 with an ERA of 4.70 and a save in 47 games.
“He’s pitched very well for us in the past,” said Pirates manager Don Kelly. “That’s what I told him last night, to continue working on those things. It was a result of us needing innings from the bullpen and just needing a fresh arm. I told him to go down and continue to be himself and keep working on the things he has.”
Don Kelly
