Pirates sign Kevin Siegrist to minor-league deal

The Pirates have reportedly signed reliever Kevin Siegrist to a minor-league deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.

Once an important cog in the St. Louis Cardinals bullpen, Siegrist led the majors in appearances in 2015 (81) and was third in the league in holds (28). In 2015 and 2016, Siegrist posted 2.17 and 2.77 ERAs respectively, although his peripherals were worse in '16.

Unfortunately for the 28-year old lefty, his 2017 season was not quite as successful. Siegrist allowed 19 earned runs in 34.1 IP before hitting the disabled list with a cervical spine strain. The Cardinals eventually let him go and he briefly resurfaced with the Philadelphia Phillies later in the season.

With Felipe Rivero as the closer and Steven Brault likely to break camp with the team, Siegrist figures to compete with Josh Smoker and Jake Leathersich for a position as a secondary left-handed option.