Former Expos Pitcher Acquired By Pittsburgh Pirates

Atahualpa Severino was acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations.  Royals Report tweeted the transaction today and stated that the southpaw will report to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Severino pitched briefly with the Washington Nationals last season putting up a 108 ERA+ over a cup of coffee.  This offseason, he signed with the Royals.

The left-handed Severino seems to be taking the spot of Mike Zagurski who was called up to the big club this week when Jose Contreras went to the disabled list.  Severino is one of the few players remaining in Major League Baseball with ties to the Montreal Expos.

As you know, Neal Huntington has Expos ties.  The lefty signed with Montreal when he was a 19-year-old out of the Dominican.  He was known as a hard-throwing left-hander with potential in 2004.  The strikeouts are interesting to see, but Severino is 28-years old.

The Nats of course had him on their 40-man a few times over the past couple years.  He cleared waivers last year when the Nats put Cesar Izturis on their roster in August.

From the outside, this would appear to be insurance.  But knowing what we know about the Bucs picking up relievers, this just might be the second coming of a future shut-down lefty out of the pen.  Who knows, but you can bet we will keep an eye on Severino.

Sep 23, 2011; Washington DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Atahualpa Severino (59) throws in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports