Pirates Claim RHP Robert Stephenson From Rockies; DFA Kevin Padlo

The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed right-handed pitcher Robert Stephenson off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.

To make room for Stephenson on the 40-man roster, the Pirates have designated INF Kevin Padlo for assignment.

Padlo was recently optioned by the Pirates on Aug. 23 and appeared in three games. In 11 at-bats, Padlo did not record a hit and took his season average to .121 on the season.

Stephenson is a former first-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2011 out of Alhambra high school in California and made his big league debut on April 7, 2016.

Stephenson, 29 years old, has a 2-1 record with a 6.04 ERA in 44.2 innings pitched. He had a decent run of games leading up to the All-Star break, having pitched nine out of ten games without allowing a run.

Post-All-Star break, the former first rounder’s season went downhill and was scored upon in six out of his last eight games played. The Rockies decided to DFA Stephenson on Thursday.

In 298.2 career innings pitched with the Reds and Rockies (22 starts), the 29 year old has an ERA of 4.97 and has struck out 311 batters.

Stephenson’s DFA was the first of his career, and when he joins the Pirates, he will wear the number 41. When Stephenson joins the team, the Pirates will make a corresponding 26-man roster move.