After struggles with strike zone, Bryse Wilson optioned as Pirates select Yerry De Los Santos

Bryse Wilson’s struggles to stay in the strike zone, especially in his last start, got the right-hander optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said the primary focus for Wilson is to start for Indianapolis, or at least pitch the bulk of innings in games if the Indians use an opener.

The Pirates acquired Wilson, 24, from the Atlanta Braves at the trade deadline last July in exchange for closer Richard Rodriguez. Wilson was 0-3 with a 7.53 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 28 2/3 innings over eight games (five starts) this season, with 24 strikeouts and 14 walks. He allowed seven runs on six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings in the 18-4 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday at PNC Park.

“It’s coming down to the fact that he’s got to put the ball in play,” Shelton said. “That was our message to him. He’s a guy that has commanded the ball throughout his career and thrown strikes, but it’s just not as consistent as it needs to be right now.”

The Pirates selected the contract of Yerry De Los Santos, a 24-year-old righty who is expected to serve in a multi-inning relief role. De Los Santos was 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA and 0.64 WHIP in 15 2/3 innings over 12 appearances with Indianapolis, recording three saves.

“He’s throwing the ball in Indy,” Shelton said. “The sinker is a really good pitch that we like. We’ve extended him over his last few outings to pitch multiple innings. It was at the point he deserved to be in the big leagues.”

To make room on the 40-man roster for De Los Santos, the Pirates transferred shortstop Kevin Newman from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL after a setback with his groin injury during a rehabilitation assignment at Indianapolis.