Roster Moves: Pirates claim George Kontos from Giants

The Pirates have claimed right-handed relief pitcher George Kontos off waivers from the Giants.

Evening out their flurry of Saturday afternoon moves, the Pirates designated for assignment Jhan Marinez and Danny Ortiz to make room on the 40-man roster for Kontos and Sean Rodriguez. Also, Wade LeBlanc has been reinstated from the bereavement list. Once Kontos arrives, the Pirates will have to free a 25-man roster spot, presumably sending down Dovydas Neverauskas, who went up to Pittsburgh in LeBlanc’s absence.

Kontos, 32, has a solid 9.58 K/9 and 2.96 BB/9 with a rising ERA (3.83) and FIP (4.02) from past years. His 17.8 percent home run/fly ball rate this season is the highest of his career. He’s making $1.75 million this season and appears to be arbitration eligible for 2018.

Grant Brisbee has an excellent rundown over at McCovey Chronicles.

In events that have likely long been forgotten by all involved, Kontos was suspended three games in 2013 for plunking Andrew McCutchen.