PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pirates claim another outfielder from the A's, first it was acquiring center fielder Dustin Fowler. Now it's another left-hand hitter, Ka'ai Tom. Who comes to the Pirates off waivers.
To make room on the roster, the Bucs designated outfielder Anthony Alford for assignment. The Opening Day starter in center, In 11 games, Alford was 2-for-24.
Pirates also recalled 21-year-old switch-hitting infielder Rodolfo Castro from the alternate sign as an extra body for the doubleheader. Castro hasn't played above A ball.
New OF
The 26-year-old Tom was 1 for 16 in 9 games with the A's before he was designated for assignment on April 19.
Tom started his pro career an hour from Pittsburgh, playing for the low A Mahoning Valley team in Youngstown after being Cleveland's fifth round pick in 2015. The 5'9", 185 pounder hit .352 with 8 homers in two seasons at the University of Kentucky. Overall in the minors, Tom hit .270 with 49 homers, 255 RBI and 58 stolen bases. His on-base percentage is .360. He hit .298 with 9 homers and 44 RBI in just 51 games in AAA Columbus in 2019.
Tom hit .310 with a couple of doubles, a triple and a HR in 34 plate appearances this Spring Training to make the Oakland roster.
