Meet Your Bucs: Aaron Thompson

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Justin K Aller/Getty Images

In a season full of roster moves, the latest Pirate to wear the uniform for the first time is pitcher Aaron Thompson, who was recalled on Tuesday and was named the starter for today’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Thompson was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the first round (22^nd overall) of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft.  After the 6’2”, 190lb lefty dominated in the Marlins’ minor league system, he was acquired by the Washington Nationals at the 2009 trade deadline for first baseman Nick Johnson.

The Pirates claimed Thompson off of waivers from the Nationals on December 24, 2010, and was designated for assignment on June 24, 2011, after recording a 4.97 ERA in 67 innings with the Altoona Curve.

After struggling somewhat in Altoona, Thompson pitched very well in his three outings in Triple-A Indianapolis, and, after the Pirates placed Kevin Correia on the 15 day DL, Thompson was called up yesterday and was named the starter for this afternoon’s series finale against the Brew-Crew.

Thompson threw 4.1 innings, giving up only four hits and walking two batters, before reaching his pitch count limit.  The Pirates shutout the Brewers, 2-0, earning the series split.

Stay tuned to Fans From The Stands for the latest moves as the September 1^st, the day of roster expansion, approaches.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Meet Your Bucs: Pedro Ciriaco

By Zane Heiple

Even though the Pirates’ game was rained out on Friday, the front office was busy making moves.

Josh Rodriguez was designated for assignment, because of the addition of shortstop Brandon Wood, who was recently released by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  To fill the roster spot until Wood is able to join the club, Pedro Ciriaco was recalled.

Ciriaco was signed as an amateur free agent by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2003.  From 2005-10, he moved his way up through the Diamondbacks’ farm system.  Pedro would come to the Pirates, along with Chris Snyder, for D.J. Carrasco, Ryan Church, and Bobby Crosby in July of 2010.  After playing with AAA Indianapolis, he made his Major League debut on September 8, 2010 and played in a total of eight games to finish the season.

Even though Ciriaco is able to play a variety of positions, his time in Pittsburgh looks to be short.  Once Brandon Wood walks through the clubhouse doors, Pedro most likely will be sent back to Indy.  Stay tuned to Fans From The Stands for information on Wood once his place on the roster becomes official.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!