PITTSBURGH (AP) -The Pittsburgh Pirates added newly acquired pitcher Jeff Karstens to the major league roster Monday before their game against the Colorado Rockies.
Karstens, a 25-year-old right-hander, was one of four players the Pirates obtained from the New York Yankees on Saturday for outfielder Xavier Nady and reliever Damaso Marte. He went 6-4 with a 3.80 ERA in 12 starts this season for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Karstens, a 19th-round pick in the 2003 draft, was 3-5 with a 5.65 ERA in 15 games for the Yankees in 2006-07. He is a candidate to fill the starting rotation spot left by John Van Benschoten, who was sent to the minor leagues on Sunday, and could pitch Friday against the Chicago Cubs.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” he said. “I hope to make the most of it.”
Pittsburgh manager John Russell said a decision on when to use Karstens will be made in the next day or two. Karstens could provide a boost to a rotation which entered play Monday ranked last in the National League in ERA, innings pitched, and runs allowed.
“We want him to get accustomed to his surroundings, get to know his teammates and maybe throw a little bit on the side,” Russell said. “Obviously, he’s capable of starting, so he’s a very viable option. We’ll probably look in that direction.”
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