A day after an incredible Major League debut, the Pirates have optioned Max Kranick to Triple-A Indianapolis and recalled right handed pitcher Cody Ponce.
Kranick threw 5 inning Sunday, allowing 0 hits, 0 walks, 0 runs and struck out three.
Kranick may have even gone further in the game, since he was only at 50 pitches, but a rain delay put a stop to that.
"He was in control of the game the whole time," said manager Derek Shelton after the game. "That's impressive not only for a young pitcher but a pitcher making his major league debut."
The start was the first since 1893 with a perfect completed start of five innings in his Major League debut.
While the move may seem like a demotion to fans, Kranick will likely be back on the big league roster soon.
The Pirates have not announced who still start on Wednesday, that will likely go to Ponce.
Kranick did make the trip to Denver with the club and asked if he would stay with the team and start another game manager Derek Shelton said, "We're still working through that."
With it's looking like the Pirates are moving toward a six-man rotation, there is the possibility that Kranick is called back up to pitch at PNC Park over the weekend.
With injuries piling up in the MLB, the Pirates have been extremely careful with their pitchers and Kranick is no exception.
