The Pittsburgh Pirates have sent pitcher Zach Phillips, infielder Pedro Florimon and catcher Jacob Stallings outright to Indianapolis. All three players have the right to refuse the assignment, which would make them free agents. In the case of Phillips and Florimon, they would become free agents either way once the free agency period opens later this month. Stallings could accept the assignment and remain with the Pirates, as he doesn’t have enough time in to reach minor league free agency.
All three players were recalled in September. Stallings was also up for a brief time earlier in the season. He played a total of five games, going 6-for-15 at the plate. Phillips was acquired on August 31st in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles for Kyle Lobstein. In eight appearances for the Pirates, he allowed two runs over 6.2 innings. Florimon went 5-for-24 over 18 games, seeing time at shortstop and second base. He also played 24 games for the 2015 Pirates.
The 40-man roster now has three open spots. The Pirates need a total of five spots for players coming off the 60-day DL, so two more moves will need to be made.
UPDATE 5:20PM: Florimon and Phillips have refused the assignment and each elected free agency.
