PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have a strong rotation, but they could make a change in their next series.

Pirates right-handed starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft went on the Major League Bereavement/Family Medical Emergency List on April 25, which allows teams to replace players who have to tend to a death or serious illness in the family, as they brought right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders in his place.

Ashcraft is set to start on April 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals in the series opener at PNC Park, but a player going on the bereavement list means that he will likely miss that start, but start another day.

If Ashcraft can't go for that game, the Pirates have one rookie in right-handed pitcher Wilber Dotel who could fill that role if needed.

Why the Pirates Would Go to Dotel

The Pirates brought up Dotel back on April 19, as they needed a pitcher that could make a start if needed, with manager Don Kelly saying they see Dotel as, "somebody that could go 90 pitches and fill some innings."

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