Dauri Moreta Expected to Be Out for Extended Period
p/c: Christopher Horner - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
General manager Ben Cherington met with members of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ media on Tuesday. One of the items mentioned was the status of Dauri Moreta, who is dealing with an elbow issue. Cherington notes that the team is still gathering information on Moreta’s injury, but does expect the righty reliever to be out for awhile.
Moreta exited Sunday’s game at LECOM Park against the Baltimore Orioles, this after throwing a fastball only 89 mph, which caused him to show discomfort in his arm. Moreta’s fastball velocity had been down in that outing - sitting 92-93. He usually averages 95.
Prior to last season, the Pirates made an in-division swap by trading infielder Kevin Newman to the Cincinnati Reds for Moreta.
Moreta’s first season in Pittsburgh this past year was a productive one. In 55 appearances, he posted a 3.72 ERA, while putting up a solid, FIP of 2.93, and limiting opposing hitters to a .184 batting average against. Moreta also recorded an 11.9 K/9, which was 11th best among National League relievers.
While Moreta registered a healthy, 95.3 mph on his fastball in 2023, the most effective offering was his “wrong way” slider/ imitation screwball that he got whiffs on 40.8% of the time.
Now that Moreta will seemingly miss a large portion of the remaining Grapefruit League schedule, it’s a chance for a young arm like Kyle Nicolas, or a veteran such as Wily Peralta, to make their mark, for a spot in the Pirates’ bullpen.