The Pirates have acquired right-hander Yefry Ramirez from the Orioles for a player to be named later or cash considerations, per announcements from both teams. To make room for Ramirez on its 40-man roster, Pittsburgh designated righty Jesus Liranzo for assignment.
Ramirez lasted just under two years with the Orioles, who acquired him from the Yankees for international bonus money in July 2017. His time with Baltimore essentially ended May 22 when it designated him for assignment.
The 25-year-old Ramirez saw extensive action with the Orioles in 2018, his major league debut, but pitched to an unappealing 5.92 ERA/5.29 FIP with 8.54 K/9, 4.96 BB/9 and a 34 percent groundball rate in 65 1/3 innings. Most of Ramirez’s 17 appearances (12) came as a starter last year, but he primarily worked from the Orioles’ bullpen this season before they parted with him. Ramirez opened the campaign with one start over four appearances and allowed eight earned runs on 11 hits and nine walks (with 11 strikeouts) in 10 1/3 frames.
Ramirez hasn’t established himself in the majors, but he does carry a 3.40 ERA with 9.6 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in 90 Triple-A innings. Meanwhile, Liranzo has endured a terrible season with the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis. The 24-year-old posted a 7.54 ERA and 7.9 K/9 against 6.8 BB/9 in 22 2/3 innings prior to his designation. Liranzo happens to be an ex-Orioles farmhand, but he joined the Pirates as a waiver claim from the Dodgers in April 2018.
bush5104
No, please…spare us any more details on this transaction. Seriously.
Ironman_4life
Straily looked awesome out of the pen.
boss61
He really did But one solid appearance does not reverse his mediocrity so far this year.
Ironman_4life
I’ve watched all but three games so far this season and I have to say that up until this last week I was still really into it. When you’re in last place and you know you’re going to be a last-place team you can’t continue to parade the same players out there. I really enjoyed the way the bullpen worked today. Im sure givens will work his way back into the closer spot. The problem is our starters are having a problem getting past the fourth inning so this bullpen has been overworked. Bless Hyde. He definitely was hired for a project.
army123456
Cheap ass pirates. Bob and Neil needs to go. If your in contention of maybe making the playoffs, why would you not get a decent starter? We just need to boycott pirate games until they agree to spend money on quality players.
Black_Pearl
Obviously you feel strongly about boycotting since you made the same exact comment on the other Pirates article. This move appears to be backfill for AAA since the team has called up so many pitchers for the major league bullpen. Any contribution beyond that is a bonus.
What starter do want them to go get? Good starters cost premium dollars and prospects. The Pirates don’t have much of either.
Monkey’s Uncle
Well, they tried that with Chris Archer. It hasn’t exactly worked out too well, but that was less than a year ago, so it’s not like they’ve never done it. I also didn’t hear too many people complain about their starting pitching until Trevor Williams, Jameson Taillon and Archer all got hurt. Also, exactly who do you think the Bucs should be trading that would fetch them a quality starter today? They are not flush with trade chips right now, at least not ones they want to cash in.
dcahen
I’d trade Marte, Dickerson will soon be back & Reynolds can play CF.
billbucs
I actually had been thinking the same thing although his value will be down a little
Monkey’s Uncle
I don’t think they’re ready to bail on Marte just yet, but that’s just my gut feeling.
heychavez3
Of the 16 teams that currently have a worse record than Pittsburgh, only 2 have spent less than them (Miami and Baltimore). Just because you spend a lot of money doesn’t mean it’ll end in wins. SF has spent just under 100 million more than Pittsburgh, and are 10 games under .500. Boston has spent almost 175 million more and have only 2 more wins to show for it.
Only Tampa Bay has spent less per win than Pittsburgh currently this season, and San Francisco has spent the most per win.
With there only being the one trade deadline now, I see the Pirates more than capable of spending some money on good players that could help them the last third of the season.
panj341
Sorry, but don’t count on them spending more money this year.. Payroll will go down as they trade Cervelli, Dickerson and Melky for prospects.
jbigz12
Cost per win is garbage. Pittsburgh doesn’t spend any money. They’re in 3rd place and desperately need talent that will cost money. Spending certainly doesn’t equal winning but spending on a competitive 75 million dollar team probably does.
Monkey’s Uncle
You could do worse than Ramirez. For instance, you could have Liranzo.
Jaysthoughts
I can see him being useful for the Bucs. He throws hard, is young and has shown promise without being terrible in the majors. Maybe this change of scenery will do it.
Monkey’s Uncle
He can’t be worse than any number of guys the Bucs have been putting out there over the past month.
markburgh
The worst owner in any sports just keep on pocketing profits nutting
panj341
Probably another pitcher that doesn’t belong in the majors. Add his name to about 6 others on the staff that don’t belong in a major league uniform.
Quality starter is out there unsigned and they do have the money but would rather keep it in the safe and count it every night.
Black_Pearl
I’m guessing you’re speaking of Keuchel. Not only will he be expensive but also cost a draft pick, until the draft is over next week. After the draft he’ll still be expensive for a 1/2 season and courted by every team in MLB.
dcahen
You fans who claim you should boycott games; just how many games do you go to? Out of the 24 home games so far, have you been to 0-1? 2-5? 6-10? 11-15? 16-20? 21-24?
I’m guessing 0-1. I’m guessing mom & dad won’t let you stay out late.
billbucs
They can’t go to games because they are too busy whining on all of these boards about the owners of a small market team doesn’t spend like the Yankees or Dodgers. But are still in contention and it is still only May!