Pirates reportedly place Bryce Brentz on outright waivers

The Post-Gazette is reporting that the Pirates have placed outfielder Bryce Brentz on outright waivers. Brentz has no options left, so he’ll have to clear waivers.

Brentz made his way through the Red Sox’ farm system showing considerable power potential, but ran into hamstring injuries about when he should have been getting established in the majors, in 2014-15, then had a down year in 2016. He got only 87 ABs in the majors before spending all of last year in AAA, belting 31 HRs. Boston removed him from its 40-man roster anyway. He had just an OK spring with the Pirates, putting up a 250/362/350 line with one HR, six walks and 11 Ks in 40 ABs.

The move leaves Jose Osuna as the last man standing for the last spot on the bench, ASSUMING the Pirates don’t choose to go with 635 eight relievers. Osuna’s had a strong spring, tying for the team lead in HRs (4) and leading it in RBIs (13). He’s put up a 295/333/591 line, albeit with two walks and 11 Ks in 44 ABs.