Pirates release Jesse Biddle

The Pirates have released Jesse Biddle, Tim Williams writes. They had designated Biddle for assignment when they signed David Freese. Neal Huntington says, however, that the Pirates would like to re-sign Biddle, presumably to a minor-league deal. The Bucs have done this kind of thing a couple times in the last few months, releasing players like Casey Sadler and Guido Knudson and then re-signing them.

The Pirates had previously acquired Biddle after the Phillies designated him, giving up Yoervis Medina in return. Biddle was injured before the Bucs acquired him and had Tommy John surgery in October, so he'll be out for the entire 2016 season. He's never had great control and has generally performed poorly in the high minors the last two years, but he was a first round pick and had established himself as a good prospect with a series of strong seasons in 2011 through 2013. Given Biddle's injury and weak recent performance record, it's not surprising that the Pirates removed him from their roster. But given his pedigree, it's also not surprising that they'd have interest in retaining him.