Pirates claim RHP Chris Stratton from Angels

In an apparent attempt to bolster a thread-bare pitching staff, Rob Biertempfel is reporting that the Pirates have claimed Chris Stratton on waivers from the California Anaheim Los Angeles Angels.

The 28 tear old Stratton was drafted by the Giants in 2012 out of Mississippi State and reached the big leagues four years later. After some success in 2016 and 2017 while splitting time between Triple-A and San Francisco, Stratton joined the Giants rotation last year but was lit up for a 5.09 ERA in 26 starts, leading to him being traded to the Angels over the winter. In five starts and two relief appearances in southern California, Stratton was torched for a 8.59 ERA in 29 innings.

A career 5.11 ERA in the majors goes along with 3.9 walks and 7.1 K’s per 9 innings. He’s had a 4.10 ERA in 56 starts in Triple-A. He mixes a curve and slider in with a 90 to 91 mph fastball.

To make room on the 40 man roster for Stratton, who is out of options, the Pirates transferred pitcher Nick Burdi to the 60 day disabled list.