Pirates Claim Right-Handed Reliever From Rockies

The Pittsburgh Pirates have added some bullpen depth by claiming right-hander Justin Lawrence from the Colorado Rockies, according to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding. Lawrence had been placed on waivers on Saturday.

Lawrence spent the last four seasons pitching for the Rockies, totaling 182 appearances. The 30-year-old has a career record of 12-12 with a 5.43 ERA across 194 innings.

Lawrence’s best season came in 2023 when he finished with a 3.72 ERA and recorded 11 saves. In 75 innings, he struck out 78 batters, walked 36 and held opponents to a .235 batting average.

Lawrence was unable to carry over his strong showing into 2024, however. In 56 appearances last season, he posted a 6.49 ERA and a 5.63 FIP while seeing his strikeout rate drop considerably, his walk rate climb and surrendering an .893 opponents OPS.

A groundball pitcher who operates out of a sidearm delivery, Lawrence’s arsenal consists of a sinker that sits in the mid-90s and a sweeper. His sweeper was among the best breaking pitches in the league in 2023 but regressed to a league-average offering this past season.

Though Lawrence is coming off of a poor season, there are some indicators that he’s capable of being more effective and the Pirates are hoping to get him to return to the 2023 version of himself.

Lawrence is out of minor-league options, so the Pirates must put him on their Opening Day roster or risk losing him to another team. The Pirates will also need to clear a 40-man roster spot to add him.