The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Saturday afternoon that they have added pitcher Dovydas Neverauskas and 1B/OF Jose Osuna to the 40-man roster. Both players would have been eligible for minor league free agency later this month if they weren’t added to the roster.
Dovydas Neverauskas and Jose Osuna have been selected from Indy and added to the @Pirates 40-man roster.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) November 5, 2016
Neverauskas made a huge jump late in 2015 after being sent to the bullpen. The 23-year-old from Lithuania, who was signed as an international free agent in 2009 for $60,000, appeared as though he stalled at Low-A before last July. As a starter from 2012 until early 2015, he showed signs of being a potential prospect, but his stuff played up much better in shorter outings.
Neverauskas had hit 95 MPH in the past as a starter and this Spring Training we had him sitting 95-96 MPH in short outings. During the season, he saw an increase in his velocity, touching 99 MPH on at least one occasion, while regularly hitting 97 MPH. Neverauskas mixed that velocity with two versions of a slider, turning himself into a pitcher who could get both strikeouts and ground balls.
Along with Edgar Santana, who is excelling in the Arizona Fall League, the Pirates have two strong relief options, who should open up the season in Indianapolis. They could both be mid-season bullpen options in Pittsburgh.
Osuna was signed for $280,000 in December of 2009 out of Venezuela and has been a top 50 prospect in the system dating back to 2011, the year before he had a breakout season in West Virginia as a 19-year-old. He was originally a pitcher who could hit 94 MPH before signing with the Pirates, and still has a strong arm. Osuna has some power potential, and has hit for a decent average during his minor league career, although that comes with a low walk total. This season, he led the farm system with 37 doubles, to go along with 13 homers and four triples.
Osuna started off as an outfielder, then stayed at first base until 2015, when the Pirates decided to get him more time in the outfield for versatility. The 23-year-old (24 in December) posted an .815 OPS in 63 games at Indianapolis this year after his mid-season promotion from Altoona. Just like Neverauskas, he will also need some time at Triple-A to start the season, but he could be a decent bench option if he is needed at some point during the season. He is a solid defensive first baseman, but lacks a little in the outfield due to poor routes and average at best speed. His arm is a plus tool in the outfield and he makes surprisingly accurate throws for someone who hasn’t played the position a lot.
