The 27-year-old left-hander pitched two innings on Saturday, giving up three runs on five hits and leaving the game with the bases loaded and no outs in the third inning during a 5-2 loss to the New York Mets. He is 4-7 with a 4.08 ERA this season, his first full one with the Pirates after being acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies on August 1, 2023.
“I really wanted to stay in the game as long as possible to give the bullpen a break,” he said after Saturday’s game. “But I felt some discomfort during the warm-up pitches in the third inning. I wasn’t throwing many strikes, and it flared up, which caused me to lose feel for the strike zone.”
Falter is the second Pirates starter to be placed on the IL in the past four days. Rookie right-hander Jared Jones (5-6, 3.56) exited his start on Wednesday after five innings and was placed on the 15-day IL the following day due to a right lat strain.
Pittsburgh, which has alternated wins and losses in its last seven games, recalled outfielder Joshua Palacios from Triple-A Indianapolis when Jones was sidelined.
Right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr. was called up from Indianapolis to fill the roster spot vacated by Falter on Sunday. Left-hander Justin Bruihl was designated for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.
Honeywell had a 1-3 record with a 4.85 ERA, seven saves, and 33 strikeouts in 31 Triple-A appearances this season.
“I want to win,” Honeywell said. “I think everyone does. This is a good team, and my goal is to fit in and contribute to their success. It’s always a bit of a mixed feeling when you see players come down from the majors, but the focus should always be on winning first.”
