Pirates' Zach Thompson finding some success in hybrid pitching role

Since the middle of August, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Zach Thompson has navigated through uncertainty with his role on the staff.

After going through the bulk of the season as a starter, Thompson was relegated to the bullpen a few weeks ago, making his first relief appearance Aug. 18 against the Boston Red Sox.

It didn’t go well. Thompson got just one out while allowing a pair of runs on three hits.

Since then, he has assumed a hybrid role, entering games as a reliever in addition to starting when needed.

On Wednesday afternoon, Thompson started and threw four scoreless innings against the Brewers, allowing three hits and a walk with five strikeouts. The Pirates lost 6-1.

Thompson owns a 2.57 ERA over his last three appearances, in which he has made two starts and thrown 14 innings.

“I thought he was sharp again,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said on the AT&T SportsNet postgame show. “The cutter played again and was really effective in the fourth inning. He gave up a little hard contact, but we caught the balls.”

For Thompson, being sent to the bullpen presented an opportunity to go back to the drawing board.

“You have to make sure that you’re holding strong to what works for you,” Thompson said. “Going back to it and making sure that you’re not trying to deviate too far and mix all these ideas in — just know how you got to the big leagues in the first place, what got you there. And then just try to reiterate it.”

On the year, Thompson owns a 3-10 record with a 5.13 ERA. In his 25 starts, he has pitched six or more innings just twice.

Being in less of a high-pressure situation as a full-time starter has seemed to work in Thompson’s favor.

“Honestly, it’s kind of nice to not think, to be in this spot where you’re just on your toes and you can just … kind of do whatever with your day,” he said. “There’s no superstition or anything involved. You can just be yourself, and I think it’s something that’s benefited me so far.”

Thompson credited his cutter and curveball for his recent string of success.

The Pirates were off Thursday ahead of a nine-game homestand that starts Friday with a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Thompson’s role going forward remains uncertain.

“I don’t know what we’ll do with Thompson,” Shelton said. “Having the off-day going, I think we’ll work through that and then kind of see where we’re at.”