John Holdzkom Sent Down Due to Concerns After Velocity Loss

John Holdzkom saw his velocity in the 89-91 MPH range this spring. Photo Credit: Sean McCoolBRADENTON, Fla. - After a magical run in 2014 that took John Holdzkom from Independent Leagues to a late inning big league reliever, the tall right-hander came into the 2015 season with high hopes. However, the control issues that haunted his early career returned, and he found himself on and off the DL with a shoulder issue all season.

On Friday, Holdzkom found himself as one of a handful of Pirates cut from the Major League roster.

According to Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington, they have seen Holdzkom’s fastball in the 89-91 MPH range, which is significantly down from the 97 range when he had…