Crick (3-7) surrendered five earned runs while recording only two outs in Sunday's 11-9 loss to St. Louis. He hit two batters and allowed three hits, including a grand slam.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to Sunday, he had shown signs of improvement, registering a 2.25 ERA in his last eight outings (with only two walks). After hitting consecutive batters with two outs, however, Crick then surrendered a grand slam to Lane Thomas. Control issues continue to haunt the right-hander. He's issued 32 walks and seven HBP in 42.2 innings, taking a major step back from 2018. Crick has compiled a 2.35 ERA and 65:23 K:BB in 60.1 innings last season.

Crick will remain in his role as a set-up man following the team's decision to retain closer Felipe Vazquez at the trade deadline.

EDGE Analysis

Crick recently pitched through a disastrous stretch that included a 6.91 ERA and 20 walks in 14.1 innings, but he's since strung four straight scoreless outings, walking just one batter. Still, much of his value is tied to Vazquez as a closer handcuff and the odds of him receiving saves opportunities greatly diminished when the team decided to stand pat. Crick has recorded 12 holds and zero saves thus far in 2019.

Crick was suspended three games for his role in Tuesday's benches-clearing fight with the Reds, Jared Diamond of The Wall Street Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Three players from each team -- along with both managers -- were suspended. Crick is appealing the suspension and will be eligible to pitch until the issue is resolved.

Crick hurled a scoreless inning against the Cardinals on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a 6-5 loss.

EDGE Analysis

He faced the minimum number of batters for the first time since June 2 (a span of 14 outings) and didn't walk at least one batter for the third time in 17 appearances. The righty remains the likely closer-in-waiting behind Felipe Vazquez. Crick has registered a 3.78 ERA in 33.1 innings, but a 41:28 K:BB has bumped his WHIP to 1.56.

Crick (3-5) took the loss Friday against the Cubs, allowing one run on one hit and two walks in one inning. He struck out one batter.

EDGE Analysis

A lack of control continues to plague Crick. In 31.2 innings, he's posted a 7.7 BB/9 and has allowed more walks (27) than hits (22). The righty has also given up at least one earned run in six of his last 12 outings after posting 20 of 21 scoreless appearances to start the 2019 campaign. While Crick remains the obvious choice to close in the event of a Felipe Vazquez trade, the team could move in another direction if he continues to struggle with his control.

Crick allowed one hit and two walks in a scoreless eighth inning of a 2-1 win over San Diego on Friday. He also struck out one batter en route to securing his 11th hold.

EDGE Analysis

The righty has given up only 15 hits in 26 innings but has walked 19 batters. Crick's WHIP has jumped from 1.13 in 2018 to 1.34 this year due to a 17 percent walk rate. His 2.77 ERA is similar to last year's 2.39, even after he's allowed earned runs in three of his last six outings. He remains the closer handcuff to Felipe Vazquez, though Crick has been credited with four blown saves without recording a save. Crick's stuff is so electric that he enjoys a higher margin for error than do other relievers, but a lower walk rate would help improve his odds as a setup man or closer.

Crick allowed two hits in a scoreless inning against the Rockies on Thursday. He struck out one batter.

EDGE Analysis

The reliever has registered a hold in six straight appearances and in nine of 10 May outings. Crick, who lowered his ERA to 2.35 in 15.1 innings Thursday, has compiled 16 shutout outings in 17 appearances in 2019. He's probably the best handcuff to closer Felipe Vazquez, given Keone Kela's current IL stint and inconsistencies when active.

The Pirates activated Crick (triceps) from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Nubyjas Wilborn of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pittsburgh optioned infielder Kevin Kramer to Triple-A Indianapolis to clear room for Crick on the active roster after the reliever received the green light to return following a successful bullpen session over the weekend. Crick had been penciled in for a key setup role with Pittsburgh prior to getting hurt and could reclaim a prominent gig immediately with both Keone Kela and Richard Rodriguez enduring bumpy starts to the campaign.

Crick (triceps) was throwing in the bullpen prior to Sunday's game against the Nationals, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Crick is eligible to be activated off the injured list Sunday and appears to be nearing his return to the 25-man roster. The 26-year-old was dealing with right triceps soreness and tossed two scoreless innings during his two appearances before landing on the injured list.

Crick (triceps) played catch from flat ground Wednesday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Everything went off without a hitch for the southpaw, who has been on the shelf for less than a week with right triceps tightness. Crick remains confident his stay on the injured list will be a brief one.