Crick won't be named the fill-in closer as manager Derek Shelton said Friday he plans to mix and match in save opportunities if Keone Kela (undisclosed) is unavailable, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Crick still figures to be atop the list of potential ninth-inning options, but Shelton doesn't plan on relying on a single arm. Kela has yet to report to camp and has no official timeline for his return, so it remains to be seen how many games he misses, if any. Crick recorded 17 holds and had a 2.39 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 2018, but he struggled last season with a 4.96 ERA in 52 outings. Richard Rodriguez and Nick Burdi could also factor into the mix if Kela remains sidelined.

Crick would likely become the frontrunner for the closer's role if Keone Kela (undisclosed) is unable to pitch, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Crick made his summer camp debut Sunday, allowing a walk and a double while striking out Josh Bell. Manager Derek Shelton said he was confident Kela wouldn't need many camp appearances to round into closer form, but his grip on the job continues to loosen with each passing day. Rich Rodriguez and Nick Burdi could also vie for saves, but Crick figures to get first crack.

Crick pitched a scoreless inning against Toronto on Sunday, marking his first outing since breaking his right index finger in an altercation last September.

EDGE Analysis

The righty is expected to serve as closer Keone Kela's primary setup man at the start of the 2020 season. Despite a dreadful showing last year, Crick has closer stuff and feels his poor campaign can be attributed to his tipping of pitches. With Kela eligible for free agency in 2021, it's conceivable the team trades him and gives Crick a shot at closing sometime this summer.

Crick believes he pitched with poor results in 2019 because he was tipping his pitches, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

EDGE Analysis

"Whenever I was throwing a heater, I'd look down," Crick recalled. "Whenever I was throwing a slider, I never looked down. You plaster the fastball and the slider side by side, and it's bad." He compiled a 4.96 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 61:35 K:BB in 49 innings, registering 13 holds but with six blown saves and no saves. He also spent time on the IL with right triceps tightness, served a three-game suspension after a team fight against the Reds and missed the final three weeks with a fractured right index finger following an altercation with then-closer Felipe Vazquez. Throughout the season, Crick struggled with his control. His 6.43 BB/9 ranked sixth-worst among pitchers with at least 40-plus innings. If he can find better control, then the righty could work high leverage situations. He slots behind current closer Keone Kela, who holds a checkered health history. Crick posted a 2.39 ERA with 16 holds and 65:23 K:BB in 60.1 innings in 2018.

Crick (finger) has been throwing without any restrictions during the first week of spring training, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Crick's 2019 season came to an end in dubious fashion Sept. 9, as he injured his right index finger during an altercation with teammate Felipe Vazquez and required surgery a day later. As expected, the long offseason provided Crick with plenty of recovery time, so he won't face any limitations in camp as he attempts to claim one of the top setup roles in front of closer Keone Kela.

Crick (finger) was placed on the 60-day injured list Friday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Crick was already ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery on his right index finger, an injury he sustained Monday during an altercation with teammate Felipe Vazquez. The move creates an opening on the 40-man roster for Williams Jerez, who was claimed off waivers Friday.

Crick underwent season-ending surgery on his right index finger Tuesday following an altercation with fellow reliever Felipe Vazquez on Monday, Hunter Homistek of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The two pitchers were reportedly involved in a fight prior to Monday's game. Crick, who underwent extensor tendon repair surgery on his right hand, is expected to be ready for spring training. He finishes the season with a 4.96 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, compiling a 61:35 K:BB in 49 innings.

Crick returned to the active roster Friday after serving his three-game suspension, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After initially appealing the suspension, Crick ultimately served the three-game ban for his role in a benches-clearing brawl with the Reds last month. Crick leads the Pirates in holds this season with 12 and has the second-highest average leverage index in the bullpen behind closer Felipe Vazquez. He will likely continue to serve as one of the team's top setup options, despite some second-half struggles.

The Pirates placed Crick on Major League Baseball's suspended list. He'll begin serving his three-game ban Tuesday against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Crick's suspension stems from his role in a benches-clearing brawl between the Pirates and Reds that occurred back on July 30. The right-hander initially appealed the decision, but he merely did so to afford the Pirates some extra roster flexibility while other players served their own suspensions in connection with the incident. Outfielder Jose Osuna concluded his five-game ban Monday, so the Pirates won't be forced to play two men down while Crick is inactive.

Crick will begin his three-game suspension Tuesday against Washington, 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh reports.

EDGE Analysis

General manager Neal Huntington said Sunday that the reliever will miss the team's first three home games against the Nationals, starting Tuesday. Crick was involved in a benches-clearing brawl against the Reds in late July. The right-hander has struggled since July 7, allowing 15 runs (13 earned) in 13.2 innings. A lack of control has haunted Crick; his walk rate has increased from 9 percent in 2018 to 15.8 percent in 2019.