PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The Pirates claimed a catcher who played in the post-season for the American League champion Rays.
Michael Perez, 28, was released by Tampa Bay after hitting a homer and driving in three in 8 post-season games. Perez hit .167 last year with 13 RBI in his 14 hits.
A native of Puerto Rico, Perez won't be a free agent until 2025. The lefty-hitter can also play first and hit .284 in 2018 in 80 at bats in the majors. Hit .217 with a pair of RBI in 55 at bats in 2019.
Perez, a 5th round pick of the Diamondbacks in 2011, has thrown out 27 percent of the runners attempting to steal on him in his major league career, 32% this past season.
The Pirates also reinstated infielder Kevin Kramer, catcher Luke Maile, outfielder Jason Martin and right-handed pitcher Yacksel Rios from the injured list and outrighted off the 40-man roster.
Catcher John Ryan Murphy also cleared waivers and was outrighted.
Twins claimed lefty pitcher Brandon Waddell and the Mets claimed righty pitcher Nick Tropeano off the Pirates roster.
The Pirates have four open spots on its 40-man roster.
