Morning Rundown: Pitchers shuffle levels through system, Pirates lose sixth straight

Several roster moves including pitchers, Pirate lose again

May 07, 2025

There was some roster shuffling involving pitchers throughout the minors before the next week of games started.

Sean Sullivan’s rehab assignment ended, and he rejoined the Altoona Curve. He had a 5.06 ERA with nine strikeouts in 10.2 innings this season with Bradenton and Greensboro.

He wasn’t the only player going from Greensboro to Altoona, as Garrett McMillan was also promoted. He posted a 1.55 ERA while going 3-0, striking out 29 in 29 innings in 2025.

In yesterday’s feature, I said this about McMillan and Altoona starter picture: “With some open spots in the Altoona rotation, it may be time to start talking about giving him a push.”

He’ll get that push now.

Hunter Barco was also officially promoted to Indianapolis. He put up 25.2 innings of shutout baseball with the Curve this season. He also struck out 34 batters, while walking just seven.

Barco wasn’t the only Hunter on the move, as Hunter Furtado was pushed from Bradenton to Greensboro. After really struggling with the walk last year, the left-handed Furtado had just four walks over 13 innings while striking out 17.

His fastball had been playing up more consistently, sitting around 94/95 mph (averaged around 90 in 2024).

With the added space in the Bradenton bullpen, Alexis Torres was promoted from the FCL. He pitched during the opening game of the Complex League, striking out five over 2.2 innings pitched.

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Paul Skenes allowed two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six over six innings pitched. He was tagged with the loss, falling to 3-4 on the season. The Pirates managed just one run and four hits on the night.

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Ke’Bryan Hayes counted for half of those hits, one of which was a double and drove in the only run of the game for the Pirates.

Altoona Curve activated RHP Sean Sullivan from the 7-day injured list
Garrett McMillan assigned to Altoona Curve from Greensboro Grasshoppers
LHP Hunter Barco assigned to Indianapolis Indians from Altoona Curve
LHP Hunter Furtado assigned to Greensboro Grasshoppers from Bradenton Marauders
RHP Alexis Torres assigned to Bradenton Marauders from FCL Pirates
Greensboro Grasshoppers activated C Justin Miknis
Greensboro Grasshoppers placed RHP Franck De La Rosa on the 7-day injured list
Pittsburgh Pirates sent 1B Spencer Horwitz on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians
Pittsburgh Pirates sent RHP Dauri Moreta on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians

Top Exit Velocity

Axiel Plaz - BRD - 111.3 mph - Groundout
Joey Bart - PIT - 109.2 mph - Lineout
Malcom Nunez - IND - 108 mph - Lineout
Tsung-Che Cheng - IND - 106.5 mph - Lineout
Jhonny Severino - BRD - 106.2 mph - Flyout
Will Taylor - BRD - 106.2 mph - Groundout

Top Pitch Velocity

Paul Skenes - PIT - 99.1 mph
Paul Skenes - PIT - 99 mph
Paul Skenes - PIT - 99 mph
Paul Skenes - PIT - 99 mph
Paul Skenes - PIT - 99 mph

Most Whiffs

Paul Skenes - PIT - 13
Mike Burrows - IND - 10
Khristian Curtis - GBO - 10
Enmanuel Chapman - ALT - 8
Valentin Linarez - ALT - 7
Matt Ager - BRD - 7
Greiber Mendez - BRD - 7

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