PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled right-handed pitcher Wilber Dotel, the organization’s No. 12 prospect, from Triple-A Indianapolis. In a corresponding move, the club optioned right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders to Indianapolis.
ROSTER MOVES: The Pittsburgh Pirates today recalled right-handed pitcher Wilber Dotel from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders to Indianapolis.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 19, 2026
The 23-year-old Dotel is now in line to make his major league debut. His recent performance at Triple-A has been uneven. In three starts, he has recorded a 6.28 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP across 14 innings pitched, striking out 13 batters. While those numbers are not typical of a pitcher receiving a call-up, the Pirates are prioritizing bullpen depth over minor league statistics.
Feb 18, 2026; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Wilber Dotel (86) poses for a photo during media day at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The promotion comes as Pittsburgh’s middle relief unit has struggled significantly. In Saturday’s loss, the Pirates held a 4-0 lead before surrendering five runs in the fifth inning, ultimately losing the game in the 13th inning. It was a five hour game including the almost two and a half hour rain delay.
Sanders played a major part in that blown lead, as he gave up three hits and four earned runs. He didn’t escape the inning and only was able to record two outs before getting the hook. The organization believes Dotel’s arm can provide a fresh option in medium-leverage situations out of the bullpen.
Dotel will not start Sunday’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. Mitch Keller is the scheduled starter. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m. Sanders, who had been with the big-league club, will report to Indianapolis. Dotel is expected to be available out of the bullpen in the coming days as the Pirates look to stabilize a relief corps that has cost them critical games.
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