Pirates Add To Bullpen By Claiming Veteran Reliever Off Waivers

The Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday had a new addition to their bullpen.

The Pirates announced they claimed former Colorado Rockies reliever Justin Lawrence off waivers. To make room for Lawrence on the 40-man roster, Pittsburgh placed Johan Oviedo on the 60-day injured list due to a return from a right elbow injury and a right lat strain.

Lawrence pitched for the Rockies over the past four seasons, accumulating a 12-12 record with a 5.43 ERA and 1.613 WHIP in 182 appearances. The 30-year-old’s best season came in 2023 when he notched a career-high 11 saves and turned in a 3.72 ERA while striking out 78 batters in 75 innings.

While PNC Park isn’t the most pitcher-friendly ballpark, it should help Lawrence to get out of Coors Field. And his unique, sidearm delivery will give Pirates manager Derek Shelton a different look to go to during games.

Lawrence joins a bullpen that consists of Dennis Santana, Colin Holderman, Carmen Mlodzinski, Kyle Nicolas, Caleb Ferguson and David Bednar, who is expected to be the closer even if Shelton hasn’t gone that far yet.