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The Pirates have announced that they’ve claimed right-handed reliever Nefi Ogando from the Miami Marlins. Possibly, this is revenge for the Marlins hiring away . . . well, everybody. To clear roster space, they’ve designated Jason Rogers for assignment. (Anybody want to lay odds on whether they’ll Dragmire Ogando to claim Dragmire when the Rangers Dragmire Dragmire again?)
Ogando is 27, but has pitched only 19.2 innings in the majors. His fastball averages 95 mph and he throws a lot of sliders. He’s a groundball pitcher, which no doubt is part of the attraction. Despite the velocity, he hasn’t been a big strikeout pitcher in the minors, with a career 7.4 K/9. That pairs with a 4.4 BB/9, so control is not a strong point.
Rogers came to the Pirates from the Brewers a year ago in a trade for Keon Broxton and Trey Supak. He spent most of 2016 with Indianapolis 263/338/371, failing to show nearly the power you’d want from a bat-only corner player. He struggled in a small number of chances with the Pirates.