Pirates claim Shane Carle off waivers

A former Pirate draft pick is back with the organization after being claimed off waivers on Thursday

In the 10th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected right-handed pitcher Shane Carle. The Pirates drafted Carle out of California State University, Long Beach. Carle then pitched in the Pirate organization in 2013 and 2014.

Prior to the start of the 2015 season the Pirates traded Shane Carle to the Colorado Rockies. In return, the Bucs received right-handed reliever Rob Scahill. Scahill was then designated for assignment by the Pirates in the summer of 2016.

Shane Carle made his Major League debut for the Colorado Rockies during the 2017 season. In three games, Carle tossed four innings. In these four innings he allowed three earned runs on six hits, a home run, and he did not walk a batter. He also struck out four hitters.

The 26-year-old Carle is a four pitch pitcher. He throws a fastball, slider, curveball, and a changeup. Carle’s best pitch is his fastball which possesses arm side run to it.

Prior to the 2017 season Carle was primarily a starting pitcher in the minor leagues. However, he made just three starts in 2017 and 34 relief appearances at Triple-A. At the Triple-A level last season he averaged 7.26 K/9, 3.19 BB/9, and allowed eight home runs in 62 innings pitched. He owned a 5.37 ERA and a 4.85 FIP at Triple-A.

Look for Shane Carle to start the 2017 season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. He will then be looked upon to provide bullpen depth for the Pirates throughout the 2018 season. Similar to the role that fellow right-handed relief pitchers such as Edgar Santana and Johnny Barbato played a season ago.

Next: 41 days until Spring Training

To make room for Shane Carle on the 40-man roster the Pirates designated the aforementioned Johnny Barbato for assignment. This keeps the Pirate 40-man roster at 40 players.