Pirates make several roster moves this week with pitchers

TL;DR

The Pittsburgh Pirates made several roster moves this week, including DFA'ing Ryan Harbin to add Chris Devenski. They also called up Cam Sanders and Hunter Barco while optioning Wilber Dotel.

Key points

Pittsburgh Pirates made several roster moves this week
Ryan Harbin DFA'd to make room for Chris Devenski
Cam Sanders called up, replacing Braxton Ashcraft
Hunter Barco sent down after poor performance
Pirates bullpen struggling with blown saves

Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 29: Chris Devenski #57 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rayni Shiring/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images The Pittsburgh Pirates have made several roster moves this week, particularly with their bullpen, which has been off to a not-so-perfect start. First, they DFA’d righty Ryan Harbin to make room for righty Chris Devenski. The Bucs had to make room for Devenski on the 26 and the 40-man, so it was Harbin who took the red ticket. Harbin has been injured and wasn’t expected back until late May at the earliest, and that sadly meant bye-bye, and unfortunate reality of sports injuries for non-stars. Cam Sanders was also brought up a few days ago, replacing Braxton Ashcraft who is out on family bereavement. Again, they exchanged a righty for a righty. But they also called up lefty Hunter Barco, while optioning righty Wilber Dotel this week. They then sent down Barco when Devenski got called up. Barco allowed 5 runs in 4.2 innings versus the St. Louis Cardinals and now has an ERA of 7.71 in just five appearances. Devenski, who is a 10-year veteran, gave up two hits and a run in last night’s loss to the Cards. Not a good start for Devenski, as the Bucs look to tighten up a bullpen that currently has more blown saves than actual saves. Don’t expect too much roster action at the top of the pen, where , , and Yohan Ramirez have gotten the bulk of the work, but the Bucs need some help in the long and middle relief category and on the edges of the bullpen, where we’re likely to see guys bouncing in and out as the Bucs look for a better combination to help solidify what has been, to this point, a team weakness on the season.

Q&A

Why did the Pittsburgh Pirates DFA Ryan Harbin?

The Pirates DFA'd Ryan Harbin to make room for Chris Devenski, as Harbin was injured and not expected back until late May.

What changes did the Pirates make to their bullpen this week?

The Pirates called up Chris Devenski and Cam Sanders, optioned Wilber Dotel, and sent down Hunter Barco after his poor performance.

How has Chris Devenski performed since joining the Pirates?

Chris Devenski gave up two hits and one run in his first appearance with the Pirates, contributing to a struggling bullpen with more blown saves than saves.