Pirates promote RHP Cam Sanders, demote RHP Johan Oviedo

Field Level Media|published: Tue 5th August, 17:02 2025

MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at Philadelphia Phillies

Sep 27, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Johan Oviedo (24) reacts after allowing home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Tuesday that 28-year-old right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders has been promoted to a major league roster for the first time.

Sanders, who has fashioned a 1.91 ERA in 33 games this season for Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, takes the roster spot vacated by veteran Johan Oviedo.

The right-handed Oviedo, 27, was optioned to Triple-A after throwing the first inning of the Pirates' win over San Francisco on Monday night. Oviedo allowed three walks, two hits and two runs to go with three strikeouts.

Oviedo had not pitched in the bigs since Sept. 27, 2023. He missed the 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Sanders, who began his pro career as a starter in the Chicago Cubs' organization, started this season with Altoona and posted a 2-0 record with nine saves and a 1.90 ERA over 18 relief appearances. Promoted to Indianapolis, Sanders notched a 2-1 record with two saves and a 1.93 ERA in 15 games out of the bullpen.

Between the two stops, Sanders stacked up 51 strikeouts and 20 walks over 42 1/3 innings.

--Field Level Media