The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired right-handed pitcher Rob Scahill from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for right-handed pitcher Shane Carle. Scahill was designated for assignment by the Rockies last week.
Scahill has pitched 57 innings in the majors, all in relief, over the last three seasons. In that time he has a 4.42 ERA and a 4.56 xFIP, along with a 5.5 K/9 and a 3.3 BB/9. I’m guessing the Pirates like the stuff, with Scahill featuring a fastball that has averaged 94.4 MPH during his limited time in the majors, and a slider that has averaged 88.4 MPH. The fastball has been recorded as high as 97.8 MPH.
Going the other way in the deal is Shane Carle, who was in consideration for one of the final spots in our top 50 prospects list in the early rankings for the 2015 Prospect Guide. Carle is a sinkerball pitcher who profiles as a future middle reliever, but might have a chance at being a back of the rotation starter. He worked as a starter in West Virginia and Bradenton this year, with a 3.60 ERA in 55 innings in his time at Bradenton. He can get his fastball up to 94 MPH, and usually works in the 88-92 MPH range.
Scahill does have one option year remaining, so he doesn’t have to be on the major league roster next year. This move isn’t a big one, and was probably made to focus on the bullpen depth. He might not work out, but he has a much better arm than Carle, and about the same upside.