Pirates sell Tyler Eppler’s rights to Japanese team

The Pirates have sold the rights (sub. req’d) to right-hander Tyler Eppler to the Orix Buffaloes in the Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball League. Eppler signed a $600,000 deal with Orix.

A former sixth round draft pick, Eppler reached AAA quickly but seemed to have stalled there. He was twice eligible for the Rule 5 draft, but wasn’t added to the 40-man roster and wasn’t selected. The Pirates’ willingness to part with some of their AAA pitching depth probably increased after they acquired right-hander Aaron Slegers off waivers.