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The Pirates have claimed 28-year-old left-handed pitcher Nik Turley off waivers from the Twins.
In his first stint in Major League Baseball, Turley struck out 13 and walked eight in 17 2-3 innings with the Twins, posting an 11.21 ERA. He made three starts and 10 total appearances in the majors.
Turley posted a 12.1 K/9 and a 2.8 BB/9 for Minnesota’s Double- and Triple-A teams, mostly as a starter, last season.
He would seem to be potential relief depth for the Pirates, who finished the 2017 season with Wade LeBlanc, Dan Runzler and occasionally swingman Steven Brault as left-handers in the bullpen, in addition to Felipe Rivero, who was eventually glued to the closer role.
The Pirates declined LeBlanc’s $1.25 million option for 2018, but have since outrighted him to Triple-A Indianapolis.
As a roster-filler pitcher claimed by the Pirates, Turley naturally has a history with the Yankees. He’s spent most of his 10 minor-league seasons with the Yankees after being drafted by them in the 50th round in 2008. Turley is tall, listed at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds. This almost four-year-old report indicates he has low velocity, but a good curveball and changeup.