PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – As the Pirates announced their next week of starting pitchers, Roansy Contreras' name was not among them. A key part of their rotation to start the season, Contreras remains in the bullpen.
That doesn't mean they are changing their projection with the right-hander. Manager Derek Shelton said they still see Contreras as a starting pitcher long-term, but there is more for him to work on. Before the move to the bullpen, he had a 5.91 ERA with a 1.54 WHIP with 25 walks in 11 starts. After a horrible first relief appearance, he's allowed one run in his last 7.1 innings with two walks.
Contreras earned his first career save going three scoreless innings on Tuesday and Shelton said those are important opportunities for him to grow. Contreras said he's trying to approach relief opportunities the same as starts. It's been an adjustment entering in the middle or end of the games, but it doesn't mean he isn't using this opportunity to learn.
"Out of the bullpen, you have to come out and attack hitters right away and use all your stuff right away," Contreras said. "I think that's going to help me to execute my pitches if I go back to the rotation."
Again, the plan is for him to return to the rotation at some point. Given the injuries so far this season, you would expect it happening. Shelton said his attitude and mentality about using this opportunity to improve has been really good.
"I think the reason why is there's specific things we've been working on," Shelton said. "That's been the isolation of the conversation. When you have something you're working on and you take it into game competition and see how it plays out, that really helps with the process."
"We have to remember Ro's 23. He's dealing with some things and working on them at the big-league level. Guys are going to get drafted a couple weeks from now that are just a year younger than he is, and he's doing it at the major-league level and at this type of competition. So, the fact that there's a process that he and Oscar are working on I think has been really helpful."
Contreras had a 3.79 ERA in 18 starts last season and there were high expectations based on that and his success in the minor leagues. They will continue to use him as a long reliever to keep his arm stretched out. Contreras said he will continue to do his best as he waits to another chance to be in the rotation.
