The Pirates were off on Monday, but they were busy making moves to add to the depth in the upper levels.
In the only move that impacted the 40-man roster, the Pirates claimed 32-year-old infielder Niko Goodrum from the Los Angeles Angels, while designating RHP Ben Heller for assignment.
Goodrum has played 13 games in the majors this year between two teams, getting 33 plate appearances with only three hits. He’s spent parts of seven seasons in the majors since 2017. During his time in Triple-A this year, he’s batting .270/.387/.444 with three homers.
With Jake Lamb reportedly having a release clause at the end of this week, the Pirates could be getting ahead at maintaining their infield depth out of Triple-A.
Heller recently got a chance to pitch in the majors for the Pirates, but was hit hard with a 49.50 ERA in two innings. His final appearance led to seven runs, six earned, in the tenth inning of Sunday’s loss. He also allowed five runs in an inning during his first outing. Heller had a 4.91 ERA in 18.1 innings in Triple-A, with 34 strikeouts and eight walks. This is the sixth year he’s spent time in the majors, and his stuff could lead to another team taking a chance on claiming him off waivers.
The Pirates will make a corresponding move today to replace Heller on the active roster.
Woodford Reserve
The pitching in Indianapolis has been thinned out lately. The Pirates are signing right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford to help with that, according to Chris Cotillo. Woodford was a first round pick in 2015, and has spent parts of five seasons in the majors. He made two appearances this year with the White Sox, combining for 8.1 innings across two starts.
Woodford has ten starts in Triple-A this year, with a 5.26 ERA in 49.2 innings, along with a 42:17 K/BB ratio. He throws a combination of a sinker and a sweeper/cutter, while also mixing in a changeup and a four-seam fastball.
The Pirates currently need a starter in Pittsburgh with Quinn Priester out. Woodford just started in the majors on June 6th, allowing seven runs in four innings. That came before being designated for assignment and released by the White Sox.
Woodford gives the Pirates a reserve who could arrive as emergency depth immediately.
Wily Peralta Released
The Pirates released 35-year-old reliever Wily Peralta from Triple-A Indianapolis. Peralta had a 7.44 ERA in 32.2 innings this year, mostly working in relief. He struck out 29 and walked 14.
Peralta was used as a starter four times this year, while working primarily in relief. He actually did well as a starter, putting up a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings, working in an opener type role.
Minor League Results
The Pirates Prospect Watch every Tuesday looks at the best performers from the previous week. This week is highlighted by strikeouts from Altoona pitchers, home runs from Bradenton hitters, and 2022 first round pick Termarr Johnson has been heating up. He also turns 20 today.
Pirates Prospect Watch: Strikeouts in Altoona, Power in Bradenton, and Termarr Hitting
In my column yesterday, I looked at the trend throughout the Pirates organization of putting the cart before the horse.
