Who could replace Marco Gonzales in Pirates' Rotation?

The Pirates starting pitching this season has been remarkably good as all five pitchers have done solid. A new face to the rotation has recently been added to the injured list, after having a great start against the Phillies. Marco Gonzales has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm strain. Ryder Ryan was recalled in response, but he is just another bullpen arm. Let’s examine a few options that could fill in Marco’s rotation spot as he recovers from injury. 

Quinn Priester

Quinn Priester is a quick candidate to be recalled for the Pirates as he started a lot of games in Pittsburgh last year. The young starter had a decent Spring Training and is off to a solid start in AAA. Priester struggled in his rookie season, but he has great pitches and if he figures out his fastball command, then he can be a great pitcher.

Through three starts, Priester has a 1-1 record with an earned run average of 3.95 in 13.2 innings pitched and has struck out 20 batters. He also has a WHIP of 1.24 and a 1.94 FIP.

Luis Ortiz

Luis Ortiz has been a very solid arm in the Pirates bullpen this season. He was a starting pitcher throughout the Pirates minor leagues and in his short Major League career, but after struggling in 2023, he found himself in the bullpen. With his history of being a starting pitcher, he could find himself starting in place of Gonzales.

Through five appearances, Ortiz has a 1-0 record with an earned run average of 2.35 in 7.2 innings pitched and has struck out five batters. He also has a WHIP of 1.04 and a FIP of 3.90. 

Eric Lauer

Eric Lauer was a target for the Pirates all offseason and they finally signed him to a minor league deal in Spring Training. The veteran left handed is having a solid season in AAA and could be an addition that the Pirates make. He is quite similar to Marco in terms of pitches, but may not be the same in productiveness.

Through three appearances, Lauer has a 1-0 record with an earned run average of 2.61 in 10.1 innings pitched and has struck out 10 batters. He also has an impressive WHIP of 0.97 and a FIP of 4.84.

Overall, I think Priester is the way to go as Ortiz has been successful in the bullpen and Lauer may not be the best option.

Paul Skenes is a long shot because he has not thrown more than 60 pitches in an outing yet this season. He will be called up eventually, but I do not believe that it will be now. This injury is a big hit to the rotation, but we saw how much depth the Pirates added in the pitching department this offseason.