Non Roster Invitee: DJ Carrasco – Pirates

DJ Carrasco did a fine job in mop of work for the Chicago White Sox and it’s not much of a surprise to see him head to Pittsburgh much the same way as Octavio Dotel, another White Sox last season.

Carrasco will fill much the same role for Pittsburgh and could find himself in line for a spot start or two.

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Wow I wrote about Vinnie Chulk before I even noticed DJ Carrasco was even on the Pirates. Opps.

Last season Vinnie Chulk was looking to crack the Cleveland Indians as a non roster invitee. A year later he finds himself in camp with the Pittsburgh Pirates doing much the same.

Chulk lasted just 12 innings with the Indians last year enough time to accumulate a 3.75 ERA and a 4K/10BB ratio. In seven big league seasons spanned across Toronto, San Fransisco and Cleveland he has a 4.33 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP.

Not known for striking batters out and lacking control at times Chulk has managed to stay around with his ability to induce ground balls.

Chulk isn’t much of an option for the Pirates at the end of the game but considering this is the Pirates it’s not like the team needs an option anyway. Used in middle relief he’ll find ways to go a few innings at a time to save the rest of the pen for a manager and not let the game get completely out of hand.

Thus far this spring he’s pitched 7 innings to the tune of a 3.86 ERA. It’s believed he’s battling Brian Bass and Brian Burres for one bullpen spot. Given the numbers this spring and on their careers Chulk has to be considered the heavy favorite at this point.