The Pirates lost a .667 hitter Thursday when journeyman catcher Ryan Lavarnway elected to become a free agent after being outrighted off the 40-man roster.
Granted, Lavarnway's batting average came in just six at-bats in September, as he had four hits following a call-up from Triple-A Indianapolis. The 31-year-old played in six games for the Pirates, and all his appearances were as a pinch-hitter, including hitting a game-ending single in the bottom of the 11th inning on Sept. 18 against the Kansas City Royals at PNC Park for his first career walk-off RBI.
Lavarnway was one of four Pirates eligible for salary arbitration. The remaining three are right-handed relievers Michael Feliz and Keone Kela, and left fielder Corey Dickerson.
At Indianapolis, Lavarnway batted .288 with nine home runs in 77 games. He was selected to play in the Triple-A All-Star Game.
Lavarnway has played in 146 major league games over seven seasons, hitting .208 with seven home runs for the Red Sox (2011-14), Orioles ('15), Braves ('15), Athletics ('17) and Pirates ('18).
