Pirates DFA Veteran Starting Pitcher

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have made numerous roster changes and one that included moving on from one of their starting pitchers.

The Pirates announced that they designated right-handed starting pitcher José Urquidy for assignment on July 24, amongst some other moves they made.

Pittsburgh did this as they selected the contract of catcher Shawn Ross and placed him on the 26-man roster after putting catcher Rafael Flores Jr. on the 7-day injured list with concussion symptoms.

The Pirates needed space on the 40-man roster for Ross, so Urquidy gets placed on waivers so Ross can join it.

Pittsburgh signed Urquidy to a one-year, $1.5 million contract back on Feb. 5, bringing him on as a starting pitcher option and veteran for a young pitching staff.

Urquidy made the Opening Day roster as a part of the bullpen, but struggled in his short stint with the Pirates, posting an 8.53 ERA over five appearances and 6.1 innings pitched, with a .441 batting average allowed and a 2.68 WHIP.

The Pirates could keep Urquidy if he goes unclaimed on waivers, but it's likely another team will take a chance on the veteran.