The Texas Rangers have claimed right-handed pitcher Stolmy Pimentel from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates designated the 25-year-old Pimentel for assignment on Sunday after he didn’t make the Opening Day roster. He was out of options and the Pirates were hoping he would clear waivers, so he could be assigned to Indianapolis, where he could be used in a starting role. Pimentel was out of options last year as well and spent most of the season in the bullpen for the Pirates, where he was rarely used.
After being acquired in the Joel Hanrahan deal in December of 2012, he split the 2013 season between Altoona and Indianapolis, where he made 27 starts and posted a 3.35 ERA in 169.1 innings. Pimentel was a September call-up and allowed two runs in 9.1 innings over five appearances. Last year he threw 32.2 innings over 20 relief outings, posting a 5.23 ERA. He was able to strikeout 38 batters in his limited time, but that also came with a 1.53 WHIP. This Spring Training, he had a 4.91 ERA in 11 innings, making one start and eight relief appearances.
