Pirates Go Deep: Is a Six-Man Rotation the Secret Weapon?

The Pittsburgh Pirates are carefully managing the workload of their young pitcher, Mike Burrows, especially as the season winds down. Burrows, a rookie right-hander, has been a consistent presence in the Pirates' rotation since his call-up on May 21st.

This season, Burrows boasts a 1-4 record across 15 appearances (14 starts) for the Pirates, with a 4.66 ERA over 67.2 innings. He's racked up 69 strikeouts against 25 walks, holding opponents to a .234 batting average and maintaining a 1.26 WHIP. Before joining the Pirates, he also pitched well for Triple-A Indianapolis.

Workload Concerns for Burrows

Burrows recently surpassed 100 innings pitched, marking a career-high. Pirates manager Don Kelly acknowledged the team is monitoring Burrows' workload and discussing potential adjustments with him.

A Six-Man Rotation on the Horizon?

With Burrows' workload needing careful management and the fifth spot in the rotation not yet solidified, the Pirates are exploring creative options. General Manager Ben Cherington hinted at the possibility of a six-man rotation to provide opportunities for multiple pitchers. "We have more than five guys we’d like to get starts for," Cherington said.

A six-man rotation offers several benefits. It allows ace Paul Skenes to maintain his Cy Young caliber performance while staying fresh. It also gives the Pirates a chance to evaluate their pitching depth and provides additional rest for all starters. As Cherington noted, the expanded September roster makes implementing this strategy easier.

Looking Ahead

The Pirates are considering all options to maximize their pitching staff's potential while protecting their young talent. A six-man rotation could be the key to a strong finish to the season. The Pirates are looking to end their season on a high note and will look to Burrows and Skenes to lead the way.