The Pirates have designated right-hander Chris Leroux for assignment according to Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (on Twitter). The move creates a roster spot for fellow right-hander Bryan Morris. As Sanserino explains in another tweet, Leroux has been outrighted before, meaning that if he clears waivers, he can refuse a minor league assignment and become a free agent.
Leroux, who turns 29 on Sunday, has allowed 10 runs in 15 2/3 innings for the Buccos over the past two seasons. He's whiffed 15 batters in that time and has fanned 63 hitters in 69 1/3 Major League innings. The Winthrop product was drafted by the Marlins in the seventh round of the 2005 draft and has averaged 93.3 mph on his heater in parts of five big league seasons.
Morris, 26, is the last remnant of the Jason Bay/Manny Ramirez three-team blockbuster that also netted the Pirates then-prospects Craig Hansen, Brandon Moss and Andy LaRoche. He has a 2.57 ERA, 8.7 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 in 84 Triple-A innings.
