Cam Sanders off to better start in second turn with Pirates

TL;DR

Cam Sanders has been recalled by the Pittsburgh Pirates to bolster their bullpen during a busy schedule. He aims for a more successful stint after a challenging previous outing.

Key points

Cam Sanders recalled by the Pittsburgh Pirates
Braxton Ashcraft placed on bereavement list
Sanders aims for a longer stay with the team
Pirates face a busy schedule without off days
All NL Central teams are over .500

Pittsburgh PiratesMilwaukee BrewersSt. Louis CardinalsCincinnati Reds

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Cam Sanders (64) during a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 26, 2026, at American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI. (Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Pirates added pitching depth over the weekend to help their bullpen during an extended stretch without an off day. Pittsburgh recalled right-handed reliever Cam Sanders during the Milwaukee series and remains with the Pirates for the first of four against the St. Louis Cardinals. Braxton Ashcraft was placed on the bereavement list as a corresponding move. Ben Cherington said the expectation is that Ashcraft will return to the Pirates during the Cardinals series. Ashcraft is in line to start on Tuesday night at PNC Park. Sanders joins the team for the second time this season, looking for a longer stay than before. He pitched two innings on Sunday in a 5-0 loss to the Brewers. Sanders didn’t allow a run on one hit, one walk, and struck out one hitter. Sanders’ previous outing on April 18 was a struggle. He failed to record three outs and allowed four runs on three hits and a walk against Tampa Bay. Both outs were strikeouts, but promoted Sanders to be sent back down the next day. The Pirates play their seventh of a 13-game stretch without an off day, concluding on Sunday hosting the . The team will have the first three Mondays of May off. The 16-12 Pirates face an important early-season stretch against the Cardinals and Reds in a jam-packed NL Central as all five teams are over .500.

Q&A

What prompted the Pittsburgh Pirates to recall Cam Sanders?

The Pirates recalled Cam Sanders to add pitching depth during an extended stretch without an off day, following Braxton Ashcraft's placement on the bereavement list.

How did Cam Sanders perform in his recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers?

In his recent outing against the Brewers, Cam Sanders pitched two innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter without giving up any runs.

What is the significance of the Pirates' upcoming games against the Cardinals and Reds?

The Pirates are facing an important early-season stretch against the Cardinals and Reds, as all five teams in the NL Central are currently over .500.