Needing a fresh arm after Friday's 11 inning loss, the Pirates optioned left-handed pitcher Miguel Del Pozo before Saturday's game and selected the contract of right-handed reliever Nick Mears.
Del Pozo will be sent to the Pirates' alternate training site in Altoona, Pa..
Del Pozo struggled mightily in the majors since being selected from the Altoona camp, recording a 17.18 ERA and 32% walk rate over 3.2 innings pitched. He was on the mound as six runs came to score in Friday's 17-13 loss.
This was Del Pozo's second turn in the majors.