Pirates Designate Zach Thompson For Assignment

Right-hander Zach Thompson was designated for assignment by the Pirates on Thursday following a rough first season in Pittsburgh.

The Pirates DFA’d Thompson to clear a 40-man roster spot for left-hander Rich Hill, who was officially signed to a one-year, $8-mllion contract Thursday. The Pirates had agreed to terms with the free agent last week.

Thompson, 29, went 3-10 with a 5.18 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 29 games (22 starts) last year. He was one of three players acquired from the Miami Marlins in a trade for Gold Glove catcher Jacob Stallings on Nov. 29, 2021.

After beginning the season in the rotation, then serving as a swingman, Thompson was moved to the bullpen at the beginning of September. He had a 5.12 ERA as a reliever and a 5.19 mark as a starter.