Pirates announced today that they chose a right-handed contract Isaac Mattson. He will occupy the active roster of the right Colin Holdmandue to inflammation of his right thumb, he was on the list of injuries for 15 days. Open 40 people for Mattson, Infielder Nick Gonzalez Transferred to the 60-day injury list. Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post relayed Mattson and Holderman's moves before the official announcement (links 1, 2 and 3).
So far, it's been an unfortunate season for Holdman, who has spent some time at Illinois State due to a sprained right knee in April. He allowed 15 runs in 15 innings, which gave him an average score of 9.00. He had 11 strikeouts and walks, giving him 14.9% of the clips in both categories, both worse than average.
Perhaps the injury provides an explanation for his struggle, as he has performed much better in the previous seasons. In the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, he had an ERA of 3.52 ERA in 107 1/3 innings, pairing a 24.6% strikeout rate with a 9.7% walk rate.
Ideally, the break will keep him healthy and back on track. The Bucs' season turned into a lost season as their 15-33 record put them near the National League basement, with only the Rockies. Holderman has been in the club's control in 2028, so it's prioritized its long-term health rather than benefiting the team in the short term.
Mattson took his place and so far his 2025 has a strong 2025. The 29-year-old signed a minor league contract with Bucs in December and has so far signed a deal with Triple Indianapolis throughout the year. He recorded 18 innings for the club with a 2.50 ERA, 30.6% strikeout and 6.9% walking rate.
Although in a small sample, the numbers are encouraging. From 2021 to 2024, Mattson threw out 156 1/3 innings on the farm with a strikeout rate of 3.91 ERA and 28.2%, but had a walking rate of 13.7%. So far this year, he has basically cut his walking rate by half. If he could continue to do that, maybe he would get some tracks to increase his Major League Baseball record, currently consisting of 5.59 ERAs in 9 2/3 innings. However, he does have the option, so Bucs may drive him back to Indianapolis when a fresh arm is needed.
As for Gonzalez, he landed on March 28 on the 10-day injury list because of a fractured left ankle. His 60-day count is a retrospective of the initial IL placement, so he is eligible to be restored about a week from today. He started his rehabilitation mission on Saturday, but it seems that the Bucs will get him more minor league games in his game, which is understandable as he has been losing for nearly two months.
Photo courtesy of Charles Leclaire, image
