The Pittsburgh Pirates opted to pass in the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft today, which is the first time they’ve passed on a pick under Neal Huntington. They also didn’t lose a player in the draft. The Pirates can still pick in the minor league portion, which is coming up shortly.
UPDATE 10:28 AM: The Pirates took RHP Ethan Hollingsworth from the Kansas City Royals in the Triple-A portion of the Rule 5 draft. Hollingsworth throws 89-92 MPH and had a 4.17 ERA in 73.1 innings last year with a 48:20 K/BB ratio. He had a 6.44 ERA in 29.1 innings in the PCL, with an 18:10 K/BB ratio.
The Pirates lost infielder Elevys Gonzalez in the Triple-A portion. Gonzalez was selected by the Dodgers. He had a great year at the plate in 2011, but couldn’t put up those numbers again in 2012. He’s athletic, and a strong defender at third base, but is unlikely to make it past Double-A unless he can get his hitting back to the 2011 levels.
UPDATE 10:32 AM: The Pirates passed in the second round of the Triple-A phase. We’re on to the Double-A portion of the draft.
UPDATE 10:34 AM: Every team is passed in the Double-A phase, including the Pirates.
