Pirates Claim Niko Goodrum, DFA Ben Heller

The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed infielder/outfielder Niko Goodrum off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated right-handed pitcher Ben Heller for assignment.

Goodrum has played in 13 games this season between the Angels and Tampa Bay Rays. He’s collected three hits in 29 at-bats. In 17 games in Triple-A this season, the 32-year-old has slashed .270/.387/.444 with two doubles, three home runs and 16 RBIs.

Defensively, he’s appeared in games at left field and at all four infield positions.

Goodrum returned to the majors this season after splitting time between the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros from 2017-22. In 415 big-league games, the switch-hitter has hit .224 with a .680 OPS.

His best season came in 2018 while with the Tigers, when he slashed .245/.315/.432 and set career-highs in games (131), doubles (29), home runs (16) and RBIs (53).

Heller struggled mightily in two appearances out of the Pirates’ bullpen after his contract was selected from Indianapolis. He was charged with 11 earned runs on nine hits in two innings pitched. Heller walked one, struck out three and hit four batters.

He took the loss against the Twins on Saturday after allowing seven runs in the 10th inning.

The Pirates signed Heller to a minor-league deal in the offseason. In 18 relief appearances with Indianapolis prior to his promotion, the 32-year-old posted a 4.02 ERA and struck out 42 batters in 22.1 innings pitched.

The Pirates will announce a corresponding 26-man roster move prior to Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals.