Pittsburgh Pirates Claim Hisanori Takahashi

Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed left-handed relief pitcher Hisanori Takahashi off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  Neal Huntington just made the announcement.  The Pirates will make a move on the 25-man roster when Takahashi reports to Pittsburgh.

The 37-year old Takahashi went 0-3 with a 4.93 ERA in 42 innings pitched.  He had 41 strikeouts in 42 relief appearances.

The southpaw was 79-66 with a 3.70 ERA for the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese Central League before he signed with the New York Mets.  In his rookie season in 2010, he went 10-6 with a 3.61 ERA with 114 strikeouts in 53 games (12 starts.)

In 2011 with the Angels, he went 4-3 with two saves, a 3.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 52 punchouts in 61 relief appearances.

So who gets cut from the 25-man?