Pittsburgh Pirates Claim Infielder Off Waivers, Release Veteran Outfielder

During Sunday afternoon’s game against the Baltimore Orioles the Pittsburgh Pirates made a waiver claim and released a veteran outfielder

During his radio show on Sunday afternoon, general manager Ben Cherington said the Pittsburgh Pirates recently put in a claim on a player on waivers, but that a team ahead of the Pirates in waiver order also claimed the player and landed them. Sunday afternoon, the Pirates made another waiver claim and this one worked out for them.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have added infielder Kevin Padlo off waivers. After claiming Padlo the Pirates optioned him to Triple-A. To make room for Padlo on the 40-man roster veteran outfielder Jake Marisnick has been released. Additionally, the team announced that catcher Taylor Davis, who was designated for assignment on Friday to make room for José Godoy, cleared waivers and has been outrighted.

Padlo was recently designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners. Padlo has just 38 MLB plate appearances in 20 games with the Blue Jays, Rays, Giants and Mariners. The corner infielder has hit for a .143/.211/.200 slash line to go with a 21 wRC+ and an OPS+ of 28 in these 38 PAs.

The Padlo addition is a bit of an odd one. Obviously, the Pirates are not in need of help at third base. While first base remains a work in progress, what they need most is a left-handed platoon partner for Michael Chavis. Padlo, however, is also a right-handed hitter.

Releasing Marisnick is a move that makes sense. When he returns from the injured list he was unlikely to have a spot on the Pirate roster. To be honest, if not for his recent IL stint he likely would have been moved at the trade deadline. This now gives the veteran the opportunity to sign with a team where he may have more playing time, or with a contending team.