DURHAM, NC – It took just over two months for RHP John Holdzkom to make a big leap. Back in June, Holdzkom was pitching for the Amarillo Sox and now he is on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 40-man roster.
On June 22, the Pirates purchased Holdzkom’s contract from Amarillo and sent him to the Double-A Altoona Curve. At the time his contract was purchased, Holdzkom was dominating the American Association. To that point, he had compiled a 1.17 ERA in 36.1 innings out of the bullpen. Holdzkom had struck out 46 men and had two saves.
Holdzkom kept dealing in the Pirates’ organization. He pitched just six innings scoreless innings before Pittsburgh promoted the right-hander to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians where he also pitched well. In 18 appearances out of the bullpen, Holdzkom went 2-0, tallied two saves and compiled a 2.49 ERA. The righty struck out 27 men and walked 10 in 21.2 innings.
On Sunday, the Pirates selected Holdzkom’s contract and optioned him to Triple-A, which places him on the 40-man roster. The move makes Holdzkom eligible to be placed on the Pirates’ postseason roster.
