Former Cardinal to start for Pirates

Ben Cherington has hinted in recent days about righthanded pitcher Johan Oviedo nearing a return to the big leagues this season, the result of progress made by the former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher — and primary piece of the Jose Quintana trade — at Triple-A Indianapolis. It appears that time is now. The Pirates called up Oviedo Thursday and announced he would start Friday’s series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at PNC Park. He will be joined by Cal Mitchell, as the Pirates are permitted to expand their roster from 26 to 28 in September.

Oviedo, 24, had a 0.79 ERA with 13 strikeouts, a .195 batting average against and a 0.97 WHIP in five appearances (four starts) with the Indians.

In 14 games (one start) this year with St. Louis, Oviedo was 2-1 with a 3.20 ERA, 7 walks and 26 strikeouts. Oviedo was 2-0 with a 2.66 ERA, 21 strikeouts and a 1.08 WHIP in his 13 relief outings.

When acquiring Oviedo, the Pirates had said they wanted to make some changes with Oviedo’s mechanics and pitch usage. They also wanted to get him a little more stretched out.

Oviedo is a 6-foot-5, 245pound Cuban who throws 96 mph. He predominantly relies on his four-seam fastball and slider, though part of his work has been adding polish to his curveball.

Mitchell, 23, was hitting .339 with 18 doubles, 2 triples, 9 home runs, 49 RBIs and a .938 OPS in 63 games with Indianapolis. That includes a .375 average this month with 4 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 14 RBIs and a 1.126 OPS in 17 games.

Besides Oviedo, Roansy Contreras will start Saturday, and JT Brubaker — who had been on the paternity list — will go Sunday in the series finale against Toronto.