Right-handed pitcher Shane Carle and shortstop Engelb Vielma were designated for assignment by the Pirates on Sunday, creating room on the 40-man roster after the club acquired four players from the Astros for Gerrit Cole.
The Pirates claimed Carle, a reliever, off waivers from the Rockies earlier this month, and Vielma was claimed from the Phillies at the Winter Meetings last month. The move allows Joe Musgrove, Colin Moran and Michael Feliz to fill out the club's 40-man roster.
Carle, 26, spent most of this past season at Triple-A Albuquerque and he only has four innings of major league experience. To make room for him, the Pirates designated right-handed reliever Johnny Barbato for assignment. Barbato was claimed off waivers by the Tigers earlier this week.
The addition of Feliz, a right-handed reliever with experience working high-leverage innings, made Carle expendable. The Pirates now have Feliz, George Kontos, Daniel Hudson, Jordan Milbrath, Edgar Santana, Dovydas Neverauskas and A.J. Schugel as right-handed options for the bullpen.
Additionally, Musgrove or Tyler Glasnow could be used in the bullpen.
Vielma, a 23-year-old shortstop, spent his entire career in the Twins’ organization before being claimed on waivers by the Giants in September. A switch-hitter, he batted just .256/.316/.302 in 2,171 minor league plate appearances since debuting in 2012.
He batted a combined .229/.273/.280 in 455 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A last season, slashing .206/.233/.260 in 34 games at the latter. Vielma is playing in the Venezuela Winter League playoffs, however, he's continued to struggle offensively.
He could be retained by the Pirates if he passes through waivers. Vielma has two minor league options remaining and would give them an additional middle infielder in Triple-A Indianapolis.
With Moran likely to be the starting third baseman, Sean Rodriguez will focus the bulk of his time at second base and outfield. Additionally, Max Moroff and Adam Frazier won't be needed at third base either since David Freese will likely serve as a reserve at third and first base.