The Pittsburgh Pirates have released righty Matt Morris. Morris was awful so far this season in his first 5 starts. In those games, Morris compiled a 0-4 record with a 9.67 ERA and a 2.15 WHIP. Morris has been terrible since the Pirates acquired him last season. Morris finished his career with the Pirates having started 16 games in which he was 3-8 with a 7.04 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP. Lefty Phil Dumatrait will replace Morris in the starting rotation. Dumatrait has pitched in 10 games out of the bullpen this season and he is 0-1 with a 3.92 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP. Don’t get too excited about Dumatrait as he has walked 13 batters in only 20.2 innings so far this season.

The Pirates have decided to bring back 31-year old righty swinging Craig Wilson. Wilson played in only 24 games last season for the Braves and he was 10 for 58 (.172 avg, .563 OPS) with 6 runs scored, 1 homer and 2 RBIs. Wilson has now played in 698 games in his major league career and he was 527 for 2,010 (.262 avg, .827 OPS) with 303 runs scored, 99 homers and 292 RBIs. Wilson was cut in spring training with the Reds because they didn’t think he was healthy. With that in mind the Pirates will give Wilson an opportunity to prove his health in the minors. If healthy, this was a really good move for the Pirates as Wilson is a solid righty power hitter.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed shortstop Jack Wilson on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf. Wilson has played in 3 games for the Pirates this season and he was 1 for 12 (.083 avg) with 1 run scored and 1 RBI. The Pirates have recalled shortstop Brian Bixler to replace Wilson on the roster and likely in the starting lineup. Bixler played in 129 games in AAA last season and he was 130 for 475 (.274 avg, .764 OPS) with 77 runs scored, 5 homers, 51 RBIs and 28 stolen bases. The 25-year old righty swinger has now played in 447 games in his minor league career and he is 483 for 1,698 (.284 avg, .753 OPS) with 273 runs scored, 22 homers, 174 RBIs and 87 stolen bases.

The Pirates have signed 28-year old righty Jason Davis to a minor league contract. Davis pitched in 24 games (0 starts) for the Indians & Mariners last season and he was 2-0 with a 5.84 ERA and a 1.81 WHIP. Davis has now pitched in 130 games (52 starts) in his major league career and he is 20-22 with 1 save, a 4.78 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. Look for Davis to get a chance at some point for the Pirates this season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed reserve infielder Matt Kata to a minor league contract. The 30-year old switch hitter played in 78 games for the Rangers & Pirates last season and he was 35 for 158 (.222 avg, .603 OPS) with 21 runs scored, 3 homers and 16 RBIs. Kata has now played in 238 games in his major league career and he is 156 for 645 (.242 avg, .677 OPS) with 87 runs scored, 12 homers and 58 RBIs. This was a nice depth signing for the Pirates.