The Pirates are encouraged with Richard's pitching at Triple-A, where he's posted a 3.16 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 37.1 innings, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. "This is the first time where he's been able to go in repetition in quite some time to take the ball every fifth or sixth day, so he's encouraged about that," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Fastball command's been good, his velocity's been firm." The 31-year-old lefty missed most of 2014 with thoracic outlet syndrome. He could provide the Bucs with a mid-season boost if the team decides to take Jeff Locke out of the rotation or if injuries strike.