Morning Rundown: Miguel Andujar, Angel Perdomo claimed by other teams
Pirates have pair of players claimed by other teams, another hits minor league free agency
With the offseason kicking off on Monday, we saw more roster moves from the Pittsburgh Pirates, further shaping their roster.
JT Brubaker and Oneil Cruz were activated from the 60-day IL, a move that had to be made and a reason why we have seen so many players going through waivers to clear space.
Both players missed most of, if not all, of the 2023 season due to injuries. Brubaker got off to a great start in Spring Training, only to eventually need Tommy John surgery and miss the entire season. Cruz only played in nine games before fracturing his ankle in a home plate collision against the Chicago White Sox.
On top of those moves, the Pirates also announced the following;
Miguel Andujar was claimed by the Oakland Athletics, ending his tenure with the Pirates. He had two stints with the Pirates last year, playing in April/May and returning in September, where he played much better.
During his first go-around, Andujar posted a .599 OPS in 13 games but turned around and put up a .879 mark in September/October.
After hearing that he had Tommy John surgery, it wasn’t expected that Angel Perdomo would pitch in 2024, giving him a route to go unclaimed. That wouldn’t be the case, as the Atlanta Braves picked up the towering lefty.
Finally, Yerry De Los Santos cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis, where he will now become a minor-league free agent. He put up a 3.33 ERA in 24.1 innings this past season for the Pirates.
With all the dust settled, the Pirates currently have 37 players on their 40-man roster.
Would anyone else be surprised to know that Austin Hedges only had 187 plate appearances with us this year? It felt like 500
I don't like losing Perdomo. They likely thought they could sneak him thru waivers due to TJ. But ATL picked him up and can put him right back on the 60-day DL soon. Gambled and lost.