February 14, 2025
According to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pirates right-handed pitcher
Hunter Stratton (knee) still needs to "pass some hurdles," including running and field practice, before being viewed as a contender for a spot in the bullpen. Stratton ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee last August but still needs to progress before returning to the mound. Last summer, across 37 2/3 innings out of the bullpen, the 28-year-old held a 3.58 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. He struck out 33 batters and showed stellar command with a 4.4 percent walk rate. He also generated a solid 3.29 xERA and limited hard contact with an impressive 31.3 percent hard-hit rate. If Stratton were to progress and return to action during spring training, he would likely have a role in the Pittsburgh bullpen.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Andrew Destin
January 17, 2025
According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, right-handed pitcher
Hunter Stratton (knee) is expected to be ready for spring training. Stratton underwent a season-ending knee operation to repair a ruptured patella tendon but recently posted a video of himself throwing off a mound on his personal social media. Stratton inked a minor-league deal earlier this offseason with the Pirates, but seeing his current status, he will likely contribute in the major league bullpen through most of the 2025 season. Last summer, the 28-year-old logged 37 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.58 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. He showed strong command with a 4.4% walk rate and generated a solid 3.29 xERA, which suggests he could be in store for some positive regression in 2025. He will likely return to a high-leverage role this upcoming season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Noah Hiles
December 8, 2024
According to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the Pirates have signed relief pitcher
Hunter Stratton to a minor-league contract. Stratton spent all of last summer in Steele City but underwent surgery in his left knee in August. Stratton was facing a seven-to-ten-month recovery window at the time of the operation. Through 37 2/3 innings of relief, Stratton held a 3.58 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. He tallied one save while showing great command with a stellar 4.4% walk rate. He also generated a solid 3.29 xERA and a 31.3% hard-hit rate. He was typically deployed in the eighth inning as and tallied five holds. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression during Spring Training as he could face an uphill battle to be ready for Opening Day, given his tight recovery window.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Andrew Destin
August 28, 2024
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander
Hunter Stratton (knee) underwent surgery on Monday to fix a patellar tendon rupture in his left knee and is expected to be out for seven to 10 months. Stratton's 2024 season is over after he suffered the serious knee injury over the weekend. Depending on how his rehab goes this offseason, the 27-year-old's availability for the start of the 2025 campaign will be in question. The former 16th-round pick in 2017 out of Walters State Community College appeared in eight games out of the bullpen in his rookie season in 2023 before throwing 37 2/3 relief frames for the Pirates in 2024, sporting a 3.58 ERA (3.25 FIP), his first career save, a 1.17 WHIP and a 33:7 K:BB. Like this year, Stratton won't be on the fantasy radar at all.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf
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