Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Intriguing Players on the Opening Day Roster

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 24: Nik Turley #71 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on February 24, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Left Handed Relief Pitcher Nik Turley

Nik Turley is one of the four left0handed pitchers to make the Pittsburgh Pirates roster. However, as of right now, only he and Robbie Erlin are the only ones projected to be bullpen arms to open 2020.

Turley was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Minnesota Twins way back in November 2017. Turley hasn’t seen the Major Leagues since that year. With the Twins, the lefty only appeared in 17.2 innings, but surrendered 22 earned runs on five home runs, 30 hits, and eight walks.

However, in Triple-A during 2017, he was a quite solid swing man. In 67.2 innings, the lefty had a 2.66 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 2.84 FIP. He also struck out quite a few batters registering a 28.9% strikeout rate, and walking just 8.1% of the batters he faced. Turley allowed four long balls for a 0.5 HR/9.

Not only was 2017 the last year Turley was in the MLB, but the last year he was even in professional ball. After being claimed off waivers, Turley tested positive for PEDs, which led to an 80-game suspension in 2018. After being activated from the restricted list, Turley was placed on the 60-day injured list with an elbow strain. He missed all of 2019 as well with elbow issues still affecting him.

However, the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Turley for a reason. His fastball can reach into the 93-94 MPH range and sits in the top 99th percentile in spin rate. He also has a curveball that sits in the top 85th percentile of spin rate as well. If he can do somewhat well, Turley could be an attractive trade piece come this winter.

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