A.J. Schugel has only appeared in three games for the Pirates since being recalled from Indianapolis July 7, but his emergence has added depth to a suddenly strong bullpen.
Going into Wednesday’s game against the Brewers, the Pirates had the fourth-best bullpen ERA in the National League at 3.76. Schugel has given up just one run in six innings, with the only blemish coming in his season debut against the Cubs.
Since then, the right-hander has added another option for manager Clint Hurdle to get to the strong back end of the pen. He pitched a one-hit seventh inning in the team’s 4-3 victory over the Brewers Tuesday.