Snell Called up

[theclefe]

The Pirates have called up RHP Ian Snell from Triple-A Indianapolis. Snell has been one of the best pitchers in the International League this season, posting a 9-2 record with a 4.06 ERA. He tops the IL with 90 strikeouts and he's yielded just 75 hits in 93 innings pitched. The 23-year-old right-hander stands just 5-foot-11 but he has an electric arm. His fastball can hit the mid-90s and he flashes a plus curve.

- on deck Baseball

[drpiranha]

I was following Snell up until a couple of weeks ago, when I decided to draft Verlander instead. At that time Snell's ERA was under 3.00. He must have really been lit up lately for it to be over 4.

[kbarre]

Snell pitched for the Bucs last night. 2 innings, 2 K's, 0 runs, 1 walk (intentional against Guillen). Not too bad. But, man, does he look tiny out there.

Now...here's my question:

With Ollie Perez breaking his toe, what are the plans for Snell?

Also, does this open up the possibility of bringing up Zach Duke to take his rightful place in the rotation? Or will Snell move in there....

Anybody with inside info on the "Broken Toe" buzz in Pittsburgh?