The Pirates re-signed Michael Crotta to a minor league contract, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (on Twitter). Pittsburgh designated the right-hander for assignment at the end of July and appear to have released him since.
Crotta, 26, made his MLB debut in April, but hasn't pitched in the Majors since May. The 2006 draft pick appeared in 15 games for the Pirates this year, posting a 9.28 ERA with 5.9 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 10 2/3 innings. He appeared in 12 minor league games for the Pirates' top two affiliates and has spent considerable time on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation.
