PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates demoted struggling reliever Michael Feliz on Friday to make room for a fresh arm in their bullpen.
Before Friday's game against the Mets at PNC Park, the Pirates optioned Feliz to Triple-A Indianapolis and recalled right-hander Alex McRae for the second time this season. McRae had a brief stint in the Majors from July 7-9 but did not pitch.
The Pirates acquired Feliz from the Astros in January as part of their return -- along with Joe Musgrove, Colin Moran and outfield prospect Jason Martin -- for Gerrit Cole.