The Pittsburgh Pirates lost left-handed reliever Andy Oliver in the December Rule 5 draft and it appears they were fine with that move. Oliver was placed on waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies after he didn’t make their team. He cleared waivers, which included the Pirates passing on bringing him back for half of the $50,000 price tag associated with Rule 5 picks. Oliver was outrighted by the Phillies, but decided to become a minor league free agent instead.
Oliver pitched against the Pirates on Saturday afternoon and walked one, while allowing a single to Josh Bell. He also threw a wild pitch in his abbreviated outing. Oliver has always had trouble with command and this spring he walked 11 batters in 12.2 innings.