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On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates began adding to their empty roster spots by claiming speedy outfielder Greg Allen off waivers from the New York Yankees.
We have claimed outfielder Greg Allen off waivers from the New York Yankees.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) November 5, 2021
Allen hit .270 with 4 doubles, a triple, 2 RBI and 5 stolen bases in 15 games with the Yankees this past season.
Allen, 28, appeared in 15 games with the Yankees last season and hit .270 with four doubles, two triples and two RBI. Defensively, Allen posted a perfect fielding percentage in 105 innings, with 58.2 innings played in right field — an area that’s been vacant in Pittsburgh since the release of Gregory Polanco.
Since coming to the MLB in 2017 as a member of the Cleveland Indians, Allen has a career line of .241/.308/.348 with 35 total walks. In addition, he only struck out 142 times over 666 plate appearances, making for a 21.3 percent strikeout rate.
The addition of Greg Allen shouldn’t be seen as the ultimate decision as to who will play right field for the Pirates in 2022, but he could see plenty of playing time due to his speed, ability to hit for contact, and his defense.