PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates claimed right-hander Jesus Liranzo on waivers from the Dodgers on Thursday and optioned him to Double-A Altoona.
Liranzo was designated for assignment by Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Dodgers traded left-hander Luis Ysla to Baltimore to acquire Liranzo. The 23-year-old Dominican right-hander is 7-8 with a 3.71 ERA in 170 innings over 91 appearances in five Minor League seasons.
Like many pitchers the Pirates prioritize on the waiver wire, Liranzo boasts impressive strikeout numbers (10.7 per nine in the Minors) and high walk totals (5.5 per nine). Listed at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Liranzo went 3-4 with a 4.85 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in 65 innings over 31 appearances (12 starts) for Double-A Bowie last season.
Pittsburgh had three open spots on its 40-man roster after removing a few players late in Spring Training, so the Bucs did not need to make a corresponding move. The Pirates now have 38 players on their 40-man roster, plus Rule 5 reliever Nick Burdi on the 60-day disabled list.