Morning Rundown: Brennan Malone returning, Aroldis Chapman control issues continue

Brennan Malone to pitch in a game for first time since 2022. Chapman continues to have control issues for the Pirates.

May 23, 2024

According to his Instagram page, Brennan Malone will make his first minor league appearance since June 15 of 2022.

Initially acquired in the Starling Marte trade, Malone was among the highest-rated prep pitchers in the 2019 draft but has been decimated by injuries throughout his career.

He has just 27 innings pitched in the minors since being drafted and hasn’t thrown more than 14 in a season.

There’s always been plenty to like about Malone on the mound, but it always just comes down to the fact he hasn’t been able to stay healthy.

Indianapolis catcher Grant Koch was added to the Pirates taxi squad on Wednesday. With Yasmani Grandal leaving the game early on Tuesday, the Pirates wanted another option in case he will be out for a more extended period.

Koch, 27, was a fifth-round pick back in 2018 by the Pirates out of Arkansas. He hit 10 home runs between two levels in 2021 and had five last year with Indianapolis. He has a career .203 average in the minors but has long been known for his defensive work behind the plate.

The control issues continued for Aroldis Chapman on Wednesday, as he threw 14 pitches, only two for strikes and walked the bases loaded before being pulled without recording an out.

That brings his season walk total up to 20 in 15.2 innings pitched, which is a walk rate of 27%.

Not being able to get out of the inning on his own forced the Pirates to bring in Colin Holderman in to try and complete a two-inning save. He did a good job navigating around in the eighth, allowing just one of the runners to score, but then allowed the game tying run in the ninth during his second inning of work.

The Pirates would eventually lose in extra-innings.

SS Brenden Dixon assigned to Indianapolis Indians from Altoona Curve
RHP JC Flowers assigned to Altoona curve from Indianapolis Indians
Bradenton Marauders activated RHP Mike Walsh from the 7-day injured list
C Grant Koch roster status changed by Indianapolis Indians (added to Pirates taxi squad)

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