Pirates make bullpen move, recalling Carmen Mlodzinski, optioning Kyle Nicolas

Kevin Gorman TribLive Wed, Jun 11, 2025 • 12:02 PM

Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski delivers during the first inning against the Braves on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at PNC Park.

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a bullpen move Wednesday that could affect their starting pitching plans this season.

They recalled right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski, who moved from the bullpen to the starting rotation this season, was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis and is expected to be used in a bulk relief role.

Mlodzinski was 1-4 with a 5.67 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 28 strikeouts against 12 walks in 39 2/3 innings over nine starts for the Pirates this season before being optioned on May 21. He was 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA and .196 batting average-against in 15 2/3 innings over three starts at Indianapolis.

To make room for Mlodzinski, the Pirates optioned right-handed reliever Kyle Nicolas to Indianapolis. Nicolas had a 7.50 ERA and 1.83 WHIP in 12 innings over 10 appearances this season.

The Pirates also have sent catcher Joey Bart to Indianapolis on a rehabilitation assignment. Bart was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list on May 28 after taking a backswing to the mask. He has cleared concussion protocols and is expected to play Wednesday.