PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Last year's Opening Day starter in center, Anthony Alford is a free agent.
The centerfielder was designated for assignment on April 24 and elected free agency after clearing waivers instead of trying again with the Pirates.
Alford made an instant impact when joining the Pirates. The right-hand hitter played in five games with the Bucs in 2020 with a homer and driving in four runs. It seemed the former Toronto prospect found a new home, until, trying to make a catch, he injured his shoulder running into the wall.
The 27-year-old would rehab his way back and started the first game of 2021 in center for the Pirates. However, he would only hit .233 in 49 games and was sent back down to AAA. Alford only had four plate appearances this year before being DFA'ed.
The Pirates also sent right-handed pitcher Miguel Yajure and left-handed reliever Sam Howard to AAA to comply with the smaller roster sizes starting on Monday.
Yajure appeared in six games this season giving up 13 runs in 10.1 innings on 16 hits, six walks and four strikeouts. Howard had just worked his way back from injury and had allowed two hits, two runs, four walks and a strikeout in two innings this season.
After an off-day on Monday, the Pirates are in Detroit Tuesday night on 93.7 The Fan.
