Miguel Andújar's time with the Pirates isn't over yet.
The team announced Thursday that Andújar has cleared waivers and will be invited to spring training in Bradenton, Fla. next month. Andújar was designated for assignment last week whenever the Andrew McCutchen signing became official.
This puts the Pirates in a better position with Andújar this spring, who would have had to make the opening day major-league team or be designated for assignment anyway. While he was once a highly-touted young player -- including finishing second in rookie of the year voting in 2018 -- injuries have greatly impacted his playing time the last few years, and in turn, also his results. In 114 major-league games since the start of the 2019 season, Andújar has slashed .230/.257/.324 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs.
The Yankees designated him for assignment in September and the Pirates claimed him. In nine games with the Pirates, he had three doubles, a triple and a .664 OPS.
Andújar will compete for a bench spot this spring against players like Connor Joe and Jared Triolo, both of whom have been added to the roster this winter and fill the same niche as a corner infielder and outfielder. Triolo is a prospect who has been regarded as one of the best defender's in the farm system the past few years. Joe was acquired via a trade with the Rockies this winter after posting a .744 OPS with them the past two seasons.
Andújar signed a $1.525 million deal with the Pirates in November to avoid arbitration. Unlike previous arbitration settlements, that money is guaranteed under the new collective bargaining agreement.