In a move to add to a depleted bullpen, the Pirates claimed left-hander Sam Moll off waivers from the Athletics on Monday.
Moll, 25, was designated for assignment last week after posting a 10.80 ERA in 6 2/3 innings with the Athletics in 2017. In a corresponding move, the Pirates released right-handed reliever Angel Sanchez, leaving two open spots on the 40-man roster.
The Pirates designated Wade LeBlanc and Dan Runzler for assignment earlier this offseason, leaving Felipe Rivero as the only left-handed reliever returning on the 40-man roster. The club claimed Nik Turley, a 28-year-old lefty, off waivers from the Twins earlier this month.
Moll is a similar low-risk gamble. A third-round pick of the Rockies in 2013, Moll did not reach Triple-A until 2016, when he had a 5.70 ERA in 47 1/3 innings. He started this season there before he was traded to the Athletics in August.
Although the Pacific Coast League is dotted with hitter-friendly parks, Moll still struggled, with a 5.13 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 47 1/3 innings. He made his major league debut with Oakland in August, but he allowed at least one hit in eight of his 11 outings.
Sanchez, 28, made his major league debut with the Pirates in August and allowed 12 earned runs, including five home runs, in 12 1/3 innings. His career began as a starter, though, and he seemed destined to be called up in 2015, when he had a 2.70 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 60 innings at Triple-A Indianapolis.
However, he underwent Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss all of 2016. He returned this season as a reliever and had a 3.74 ERA with 65 strikeouts to only 15 walks in 55 1/3 innings with Indianapolis.