The Pirates added a relief pitcher on waivers Thursday, but it wasn't a move to bolster their struggling bullpen in the major leagues. The club announced that it claimed right-hander Jesus Liranzo from the Dodgers and optioned him to Double-A Altoona.
Liranzo, 23, spent last season with the Orioles' Double-A affiliate, recording a 4.98 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP in 65 innings, averaging 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings. The roster move fills one of three open spots on the Pirates' 40-man roster.
The Dodgers acquired Liranzo from the Orioles on Monday in exchange for minor-league pitcher Luis Ysala and designated him for assignment one day later. Liranzo struggled in spring training with the Orioles, allowing five earned runs in two innings, and he was designated for assignment on opening day. He's averaged at least 10 strikeouts per nine innings in each of the past three seasons.
The Orioles added Liranzo to their 40-man roster in November 2016 to protect him from the Rule 5 draft after he posted a 1.87 ERA with 66 strikeouts and 27 walks in 53 innings between Low-A Delmarva and Double-A Bowie. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014.
Liranzo is the latest relief pitcher the Pirates added with high strikeout totals who failed to reach the major leagues. He'll be stuck behind a number of more experienced pitchers at Triple-A, including Kyle Crick, Tyler Jones and Richard Rodriguez.
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