Nick Mears
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MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Apr 8 2025The Brewers reinstated Mears (illness) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears missed a significant amount of time during spring training due to an illness, and he began the season on the injured list in order to regain his strength. After throwing 3.2 scoreless innings during a rehab assignment at Triple-A Nashville, the 28-year-old righty is now ready to rejoin the Brewers' bullpen. He'll replace Connor Thomas (elbow), who landed on the injured list Tuesday.
Apr 1 2025Mears (illness) was sent to Triple-A Nashville to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears got a late start to the season due to an illness he caught during spring training that resulted in some weight loss. He's got his strength back now and should have a good shot to be activated from the 15-day injured list April 8 when first eligible.
Mar 27 2025The Brewers placed Mears (illness) on the 15-day injured list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears resumed pitching in minor-league games on the back fields of camp before spring training came to a close, but the reliever will open the season on the IL since he didn't have enough time to get fully ramped up after being set back by a stomach bug earlier in March. He'll be eligible for activation beginning April 8 and should be ready to join the Milwaukee bullpen at or around that date.
Mar 24 2025Mears (illness) will make an appearance in a minor-league game with Double-A Biloxi on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears will close out spring training having made his last Cactus League appearance March 5, but the fact that he's pitching in minor-league games suggests that he likely won't be ticketed for a lengthy stint on the injured list to begin the season. The right-hander missed out on a spot on Milwaukee's Opening Day roster after falling victim to a stomach bug earlier this month that resulted in him losing nearly 10 pounds and missing several workouts.
Mar 18 2025Mears (illness) said Tuesday that he will begin the season on the 15-day injured list, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears missed time last week due to an apparently severe stomach illness that resulted in him losing nearly 10 pounds. He seems to be feeling healthy again and was able to complete a side session Monday, but Mears doesn't look as though he'll have enough time to get reconditioned before the Brewers open their season March 27 versus the Yankees. Mears will continue to build up with a series of bullpen sessions and simulated games and could be ready to return from the IL around when he's first eligible April 11.
Mar 15 2025Mears (illness) may not be ready for the start of the regular season, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears returned to Brewers camp Thursday after spending several days fighting off an illness, losing nearly 10 pounds in the process. He made three appearances in the Cactus League before getting sick, but Hogg relays that it will be difficult for Mears to get all of his necessary work in before the end of camp.
Mar 13 2025Mears is back in Brewers camp after battling a stomach bug that caused him to lose nine pounds, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears suspects he will need 4-to-5 days in order to regain strength before he's ready to get back on a mound. He's already made three appearances this spring, so he won't be starting from scratch, which should allow the reliever time to ramp back up fore Opening Day.
Mar 11 2025Manager Pat Murphy said Tuesday that Mears has been battling with an illness the past few days, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The specifics of the ailment are unclear, though Mears appeared to be feeling a bit better Tuesday morning. With just over two weeks until Opening Day, the right-hander's availability could be in question depending how much time it takes for him to rebuild his strength.
Jan 9 2025Mears and the Brewers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $963,000 contract Thursday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears began the 2024 regular season with the Rockies but was traded to the Brewers in late July in exchange for Bradley Blalock and Yujanyer Herrera. Mears made 11 appearances out of the bullpen for Milwaukee before going on the 15-day injured list in late August due to right forearm inflammation. He returned for the end of the regular season and appeared in Game 1 and 3 of the National League Wild-Card round against the Mets, during which he struck out three batters across 2.1 scoreless innings.
Sep 26 2024The Brewers activated Mears (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears was sidelined for the past month with right forearm inflammation but has been cleared to return after throwing a successful simulated game earlier this week. He's collected a 6.75 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 10.2 innings for Milwaukee since being acquired at the trade deadline.
Sep 24 2024Mears (forearm) could be activated from the 15-day injured list as soon as Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears threw a multi-inning simulated game Monday and came out of it with no issues. He's missed the last month of action with right forearm inflammation, but his activation appears imminent.
Sep 21 2024Mears (forearm) will throw a simulated game Monday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 25 due to a right forearm strain. He's now poised to take the next step in his throwing program, and barring any setbacks, he could return to the Brewers' bullpen during the final week of the regular season. Over his 11 outings with the Brewers this season, Mears has a 6.75 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 10.2 innings.
Sep 16 2024Mears (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As long as he gets through the session without any hiccups, he could then be cleared for a brief rehab assignment later this week. Mears has been out since late August with right forearm inflammation but appears poised to make it back for the final week or so of the regular season.
Aug 25 2024The Brewers placed Mears on the 15-day injured list Sunday, retroactive to Aug. 23, due to right forearm inflammation. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has surrendered eight earned runs in 11 outings since being acquired by the Brewers, and he'll now be unavailable for at least the next couple weeks due to the forearm issue. Aaron Ashby will replace him in the bullpen for Milwaukee.
Jul 27 2024The Brewers acquired Mears from the Rockies on Saturday in exchange for Bradley Blalock and Yujanyer Herrera, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears will provide depth to a Brewers bullpen that has been set back by injuries. The 27-year-old right-hander logged a 5.56 ERA in 45.1 innings with Colorado this season but has some encouraging underlying metrics, including a 3.00 xERA. The Brewers have a knack for getting the most out of underperforming pitchers and it looks like they'll attempt to do the same with Mears.
Jul 2 2024Mears (1-4) was tagged with the loss and a blown save after he allowed two runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning Tuesday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears didn't give up hard contact as the two hits against him were infield singles, but he was unable to get through the frame on 39 pitches. It's the second blown save of the season for the right-hander, who remains without a save but has seven holds to go along with an ugly 6.28 ERA. Closer Tyler Kinley threw three innings over the previous two days, which likely prompted manager Bud Black to look elsewhere for Tuesday's save opportunity.
May 3 2024Mears could be in the mix for save opportunities this weekend against the Pirates after the Rockies placed closer Justin Lawrence on the paternity list Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears was an effective high-leverage option through the first few weeks of the season with a 2.08 ERA and three holds in nine outings, but he's surrendered six runs over his past four appearances. Jake Bird should also be on the shortlist for saves, but neither pitcher provides much fantasy upside. The Rockies have only three saves as a team this season, and Lawrence should rejoin the club early next week.
Apr 22 2024Mears (0-2) allowed two earned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one to take the loss Monday against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears was on the mound for the second consecutive day, this time in the eighth inning with the task of keeping the score knotted at 1-1. He got two outs across the first three batters he faced but then allowed a double and a pair of singles to account for the damage and take his second loss of the season. Mears has looked to be in the mix for saves and has been used in high-leverage spots early on this season, though this outing won't help his case.
Apr 21 2024Mears allowed one hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning in Sunday's win over Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears entered in a scoreless game at home, traditional usage for a closer. He handled the high-leverage situation well, as he erased a one-out single by inducing a double play from the next batter he faced. Jake Bird still has the only save for the Rockies this season, but Mears appears to be in consideration for the closer role as well.
Apr 9 2024Mears allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning Monday against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears entered the game in the ninth inning with Colorado up by three and the chance to earn the first save of his career. He allowed only one ball out of the infield -- it was caught for an out -- but he struggled significantly with his control and was pulled with the bases loaded and two outs. Jake Bird relieved Mears and tallied the final out of the game to earn the save. Meanwhile, Justin Lawrence was used in a setup role, but Tyler Kinley -- who was unavailable Monday -- will likely be next in for saves over both Bird or Mears.
Sep 4 2023Mears was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has yielded two runs over seven innings at the major-league level this season and had been pitching well of late with Albuquerque. He's taking Tommy Doyle's spot on the roster.
Aug 15 2023Colorado activated Mears (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday and optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears is recovered from the left oblique strain that sent him to the IL in late June, but the Rockies will keep him on the farm for the time being. He carries a rough 7.16 ERA in 16.1 innings of work this season at the Triple-A level.
Aug 11 2023Mears (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with the Rockies' Arizona Complex League affiliate Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has been on the shelf since late June with a left oblique strain but is finally ready for games. Given the lengthy absence, he would figure to require a good number of rehab appearances and isn't necessarily a lock to be re-added to the Rockies' bullpen once ready.
Aug 9 2023Mears (oblique) has been playing catch since late July but hasn't yet been cleared to throw off a mound, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has been slow to bounce back from a left oblique strain, which forced him to the 15-day injured list June 28. Since he'll need to throw multiple bullpen sessions, face hitters in live batting practice and complete a rehab assignment prior to being activated, Mears doesn't look as though he'll be ready to rejoin the Rockies' bullpen until late August at the soonest.
Jun 28 2023Colorado placed Mears on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a left oblique strain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears suffered the injury while making a relief appearance Tuesday night against the Dodgers and will be sidelined through the All-Star break. Gavin Hollowell is joining the Rockies' bullpen Wednesday in a corresponding move.
Jun 27 2023Mears left Tuesday's appearance against the Dodgers with a strained left oblique, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander threw a scoreless inning before leaving in favor of Matt Koch. For now Mears should be considered day-to-day, but the Rockies will likely have him undergo further testing to see if he needs to spend time on the 15-day injured list.
Jun 25 2023Mears was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears recovered from his oblique strain in early June but was sent to Triple-A after being activated from the injured list by the Rockies. He allowed two earned runs with eight strikeouts over six innings for Colorado before going down with the injury in mid-May.
Jun 3 2023The Rockies reinstated Mears (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has been on the IL since May 15 with a left oblique strain. He's allowed two runs through six innings out of the bullpen, but he will return to Triple-A where he holds a 6.97 ERA and 2.08 WHIP on the year.
May 15 2023The Rockies placed Mears on the 15-day injured list Monday with a left oblique strain, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears had given up two runs over six relief innings after being recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque in late April. He'll be eligible for activation later this month.
Apr 30 2023Colorado recalled Mears from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears will take the place of Noah Davis on the 26-man roster after Davis was placed on the injured list with elbow inflammation. The right-hander will likely work in a low-leverage capacity out of the Colorado bullpen.
Jan 6 2023The Rockies claimed Mears off waivers from Texas on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After spending just four days with the Rangers organization, Mears is on the move for the second time this offseason. The 26-year-old reliever recorded a 4.80 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in the minors last season, though he was able to throw two scoreless frames in the majors at the very end of the year. The Rockies are starving for depth in their bullpen, so it's very possible Mears begins the 2023 season in the majors.
Dec 27 2022Mears was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears was claimed off waivers by the Rangers last week, but he was only briefly on the team's 40-man roster. The 26-year-old made only two big-league appearances last season and had a 4.74 ERA over 24.2 innings at Triple-A.
Dec 23 2022Mears was claimed off waivers by the Rangers on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old was designated for assignment by the Pirates last weekend and will now join the Rangers. Mears missed the first four months of 2022 while recovered from elbow surgery, and he had a 4.74 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 27:17 K:BB in 24.2 innings at the Triple-A level.
Dec 18 2022Mears was designated for assignment Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates acquired Connor Joe in a trade with Colorado and needed to clear a 40-man roster spot. A 26-year-old righty, Mears has a 97-mph fastball, but he also has a poor 14.9 percent walk rate in 30.1 MLB innings. He could get another shot in the majors if he can improve his control.
Oct 3 2022The Pirates recalled Mears from Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Starting pitcher Luis Ortiz was optioned to Triple-A to open up a spot on the 28-man active roster for Mears, who will be available out of the bullpen over the Bucs' final three games of the season. Mears has missed most of the season while recovering from arthroscopic elbow surgery, but he's been healthy since late July and was pitching regularly out of the Triple-A bullpen prior to his promotion. Over his final nine outings at Triple-A, Mears allowed three runs (two earned) and struck out nine over 12.1 innings.
Aug 20 2022Mears (elbow) was activated off the 60-day injured list Saturday and optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has been out all year after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow in early February. He's been pitching in the minors on a rehab assignment since late May, with a month-long disruption in the middle due to forearm tightness, and he'll remain in the minors for now.
Jul 26 2022Mears (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Bradenton on Tuesday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has been out since the beginning of the season while recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow, but he appears to be on the cusp of a return in the coming weeks. The 25-year-old produced a 5.01 ERA and 1.63 WHIP with 23 strikeouts over 23.1 innings in 30 appearances with Pittsburgh last season.
Jul 6 2022Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that the team envisions Mears (elbow) playing catch in the coming days, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has been shut down for two weeks after he experienced right forearm tightness following a rehab start at Triple-A Indianapolis in June. However, the right-hander had his rehab transferred to the Pirates' alternate spring training facility in Florida and is close to resuming a throwing program. Once he's ultimately cleared to resume throwing, Mears will presumably need to build his workload back up following his shutdown.
Jun 29 2022Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Mears (elbow) hasn't yet resumed throwing, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears experienced right forearm tightness following a rehab start at Triple-A Indianapolis last Wednesday, and he's been shut down for a week. However, Tomczyk hopes that the right-hander will resume throwing off flat ground in the coming days. A better idea of Mears' return timetable is unlikely to be revealed until he resumes mound work.
Jun 22 2022Mears (elbow) is dealing with right forearm tightness following Wednesday's rehab start at Triple-A Indianapolis, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears has been recovering from right elbow surgery since mid-March and appeared to be closing in on a return from the injured list prior to Wednesday's outing, but it's concerning to see him dealing with a forearm issue. The Pirates haven't yet determined the next steps in his recovery process, but he'll likely be monitored in the coming days.
Jun 20 2022Mears (elbow) moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis on June 7 and has made five appearances for the affiliate, covering 4.1 innings while giving up three earned runs on three hits and three walks and striking out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears opened his 30-day rehab window at Single-A Bradenton on May 25, so the Pirates will either have to pull him off the assignment or activate him from the 60-day injured list during the upcoming week. Since the Pirates may not have a spot available for him in the big leagues once he's formally reinstated, Mears could end up being optioned to Indianapolis.
May 25 2022Mears (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Single-A Bradenton on Wednesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears began the season on the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from arthroscopic elbow surgery, and his rehab assignment will likely be the final step in his recovery process. The right-hander isn't eligible to be activated until early June, so he'll presumably make several appearances in the minors before rejoining the Pirates' bullpen.
Apr 5 2022Mears (elbow) is expected to begin a throwing program next week, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates placed Mears on the 60-day injured list March 15, so the 25-year-old right-hander is still in line miss the first two months of the season while he recovers from arthroscopic elbow surgery. The fact that he's on track to start throwing soon will at least give him a chance to rejoin the Pirates once the 60-day window comes to an end.
Mar 15 2022The Pirates placed Mears on the 60-day injured list Tuesday while he continues to recover from arthroscopic surgery for his right elbow, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Biertempfel relays that Mears had the procedure Feb. 9 for the purpose of cleaning up scar tissue in his right elbow. Since his surgery wasn't a reconstructive one, Mears should have a chance at being available to rejoin the Pirates in June once the 60-day window ends. The Pirates signed veteran reliever Heath Hembree to take Mears' spot on the 40-man roster and in Pittsburgh's bullpen.
Oct 2 2021Mears (1-0) allowed one hit in one third of an inning of work en route to the win in Saturday's 8-6 victory over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears picked up the first decision of his career Saturday night, though he did concede an RBI double that tied the game before inducing a groundout from Nick Castellanos to end the frame. It's probably not how he dreamed of his first big-league win, but they all count.
Sep 25 2021Mears allowed one hit in two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 8-6 loss to Philadelphia. He struck out one batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A wild pitch contributed to his third blown save with an inherited runner scoring, but Mears continues to show small signs of improvement -- he hasn't been scored on in 10 of his last 12 appearances. Manager Derek Shelton is using the 24-year-old and his 95.6 mph fastball in high-leverage situations and he could pick up an additional hold or two over the season's final week as he builds a case for 2022.
Jul 20 2021Mears was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis prior to Tuesday's game against Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears will rejoin the Pirates after being optioned just two days prior. The right-hander has yet to appear in a big-league game despite this marking his fourth trip to the big leagues this season. He's posted a 5.30 ERA across 18.2 innings with Indianapolis.
Jul 16 2021Mears was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears was sent down July 5, and he allowed no hits and a walk while striking out two in 2.2 scoreless innings at Triple-A Indianapolis. He still hasn't made his 2021 debut for the Pirates but will be available out of the bullpen going forward.
Jul 5 2021Mears was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears hasn't yet made his 2021 debut during a pair of brief stints with the major-league club, and he'll return to Triple-A Indianapolis after John Nogowski was added to the active roster Monday. The right-hander has made 15 relief appearances in Triple-A this year and has posted a 6.19 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 16 innings.
Jul 4 2021Mears was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old had a five-day stint in the majors in late May but didn't make his season debut during his time with the team. Mears has struggled at Triple-A this season with a 6.19 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB over 16 innings.
May 31 2021Mears has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears was recalled from Indianapolis on May 26, but ultimately never made an appearance for Pittsburgh. Chad Kuhl (shoulder), who is slated to start Monday's game against the Royals, will be activated to take his roster spot.
May 26 2021Mears was recalled by the Pirates on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears began the 2021 campaign with Triple-A Indianapolis after he was sent down in mid-March. He made four relief appearances in the minors and allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out seven in 3.2 innings. Mears should serve mainly as a low-leverage reliever in the majors.
Mar 17 2021The Pirates optioned Mears to minor-league camp Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hard-throwing righty registered a 4.50 ERA in six spring games covering six innings. Mears also walked five batters and hit another, so he will work on his control with Triple-A Indianapolis. The 24-year-old debuted in the majors last summer, compiling a 5.40 ERA with a 7:7 BB:K in five innings.
Aug 27 2020Mears was promoted from the alternate training site prior to Thursday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He has a 5.40 ERA, 2.70 WHIP and more walks (seven) than strikeouts (four) in 3.1 innings in the majors this year. While almost all the Pirates' high-leverage arms are injured, Mears still seems like a long shot to get late-inning work in close games.
Aug 23 2020Mears was optioned to the alternate training site Sunday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears rejoined the big-league club earlier in the week, but his stay in the majors was relatively short. The 23-year-old has allowed two runs on two hits with a 4:7 K:BB over 3.1 innings this season.
Aug 18 2020Mears was recalled from the alternate training site Tuesday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 23-year-old will join the major-league roster for the second time this season with Yacksel Rios (shoulder) landing on the injured list. Mears allowed one run on one hit with two strikeouts and three walks over one inning during his lone big-league appearance Aug. 8.
Aug 9 2020Mears was optioned to the Pirates' alternate training site Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 23-year-old joined the active roster Saturday and allowed one run on one hit and three walks over one frame in his major-league debut. Mears had a 3.28 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in the minors last season and will look to rejoin the Pirates later in the season.
Aug 8 2020Mears' contract was selected by the Pirates on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mears was a non-roster invitee during camp this year, but he'll join the major-league pitching staff for the first time after Miguel Del Pozo was optioned to the alternate training site Saturday. Over 34 appearances in the minors in 2019, the right-hander posted a 3.28 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Although he's produced in the minor leagues, he'll likely pitch in lower-leverage situations for Pittsburgh.