PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pirates claimed a potential bullpen arm from the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.
25-year-old Eli Villalobos takes the roster spot of Oneil Cruz as the shortstop was placed on the 60-day Injured List. Villalobos was immediately optioned to AAA Indianapolis.
It’s been a rough start to the season for the right-hander, six earned runs allowed in 4.2 innings equating to a 11.57 ERA in three appearances. Last season between AA and AAA the California native combined for 52 appearances going 5-2 with a 2.86 ERA and in 78.2 innings struck out 101 while walking 29. The batting average against was .193 and the WHIP was 1.03.
Drafted in the 14th round out of Cal State-Long Beach in 2018 by the Marlins, Villalobos has 247 career strikeouts in 196 minor-league innings.
“Big arm,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “Had some success last year. I know he’s off to a tough start this year. Fastball, change-up mix, which we like and he’s an optionable reliever. As we talked about, having guys that are optionable is important to us as we move forward.”
Shelton mentioned reliever Robert Stephenson (elbow) is progressing, throwing back-to-back live bullpen sessions. Currently on IL, he will go back to AAA before being cleared to play and would not speculate on the corresponding move to create a spot for the 30-year-old right-hander. He did say he is in their plans in the majors when he is healthy.