The San Francisco Giants have claimed minor league pitcher Hunter Strickland off waivers today. He was added to the Pirates 40 man roster this off-season, but he was designated for assignment recently when the Pirates added Jonathan Sanchez and Brandon Inge to the 40 man roster. On Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Clint Robinson, who was also dropped from the roster to make room for Sanchez and Inge.
The Pirates acquired Strickland in the 2009 Adam LaRoche deal. He missed all of 2011 due to early shoulder problems and rotator cuff surgery that August. The 24-year-old righty split last season between Bradenton and Altoona, where he went a combined 4-4, 3.70 in 33 appearances, nine as a starter. Strickland had a 1.37 WHIP and 58 strikeouts in 87.2 innings.