Pirates claim RHP Jhan Marinez

The Pirates have claimed right-handed reliever Jhan Marinez from the Brewers, who designated him for assignment a few days ago. He’s out of options, so the Pirates will have to add him to the 25-man roster or immediately dragmire him. There’s no indication yet who might be moved out, although Josh Lindblom seems the obvious choice. Marinez has pitched multiple innings occasionally in the majors. It’s possible Marinez won’t report until tomorrow, so a move could be announced then. No 40-man roster move is required because there was an open spot.

Marinez has pitched in parts of four major league seasons — 2010, 2012, 2016 and 2017 — with the Marlins, White Sox, Rays and Brewers. He has a career ERA of 3.63, WHIP of 1.51, K/9 of 7.3 and xFIP of 4.36. His career groundball rate is 51.2%. This year he was struggling, with an ERA of 5.40 and xFIP of 4.84. He throws a two-seam fastball and a slider, the former typically at 94-95 mph. He’s been only modestly effective against both right-handed and left-handed hitters, with the latter posting a .798 OPS against him over his career and the former .760.