Kyle Lobstein from the Tigers picked up by the Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that they have struck a deal with the Detroit Tigers that will send left handed pitcherKyle Lobsteinto the Pirates in exchange for cash.
The@Pirateshave acquired LHP Kyle Lobstein from the@tigersin exchange for cash considerations.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates)December 21, 2015
Kyle Lobstein has some major league experience pitching in 20 games with an ERA of 5.33 while going 4-10. Of his 13 apperances last season 11 of those were starts.
Lobstein was designated for assignment by the Tigers back on December 18th to make room on the 40 man roster for the newly signedMike Aviles.
Tigers make Mike Aviles signing official. They have designated Kyle Lobstein for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
— Chris Iott (@Chris_Iott)December 19, 2015
Lobstein is a young lefty arm for the Pirates to utilize in many different ways. I see this move as a way to incorporate a long reliever into the current Pirates bullpen. Looking at the relievers currently on the Pirates roster the only pitcher really fit for the long relief role would beJuan Nicasio.
Adding Lobstein to the mix gives them a lefty option who can throw some innings out of the bullpen. Of his 20 major league games played, 17 of them have been starts. He threw 63.2 innings for the Tigers last year, and could be someone who, ifJeff Lockestruggles, could be in competition for a starting role.
As the bullpen looks right now,Mark Melancon(assuming he doesn’t get traded) would be the closer withTony WatsonandJared Hughesas set-up men. Then in the middle of the bullpen you haveArquimedes Caminero,Rob Scahill,John Holdzkom, andBobby LaFromboisebattling it out for three spots.
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With the loss ofVance Worleyto the Baltimore Orioles, the Pirates will be looking for someone to fill that long relief role. Lobstein will be thrown into the mix with Juan Nicasio to battle for that long relief role.
This move brings the Pirates some more pitching depth which is much needed for any organization through a long 162 game season. With pitchers and catchers reporting in a little over two months, the Pirates will be looking to make more moves throughout the offseason that will get this team ready for another run at the National League Central Division.
It will be interesting to see with the additions ofRyan VogelsongandJon Nieseif pitching coachRay Searagewill be able to work his magic on all of these players.
In other Pirates news, the Bucs quietly picked upJason Rogersin a trade a few days ago from the Milwaukee Brewers. Rogers has little experience in the MLB, but could indeed be the future of the Pirates at first base. In 179 plate appearances, Rogers has a .286 batting average, a .358 on base percentage, and a 0.7 wins above replacement.
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Rogers isn’t the best defensively and is a little young at 27, but the Pirates could use him as a quality backup moving forward afterJosh Bellbecomes the starter. Let’s just hope the Pirates have a better option in store to start the 2016 season.