ST. LOUIS -- The pitching-depleted Pirates have acquired Chris Stratton, a 28-year-old right-handed starter, from the Angels for cash considerations.
Given that Stratton had been designated for assignment May 7, and that he was 0-2 with an 8.59 ERA through five starts, and that he walked 18 batters in 29 1/3 innings, chances are excellent the cash won't amount to a Turnpike toll.
Corresponding move on the 40-man roster: Nick Burdi, out with a nerve injury in his right arm, was moved from the 10-day injury list to the 60-day.
Corresponding move on the 25-man roster: To be determined when Stratton joins the team, which might not be until Monday in Phoenix. Once he arrives, he'll wear No. 46.
Two members of the rotation are currently on the 10-day IL, Jameson Taillon and Chris Archer, though Archer threw a simulated game here at Busch Stadium yesterday and said he could be ready to return as soon as Wednesday in Phoenix.
Stratton broke into the majors in 2016 with the Giants, the team that drafted him in the first round, 20th overall, in 2012. He finally found full-time work in San Francisco in 2018, leading the staff in wins at 10-10, albeit with a 5.09 ERA. The Giants traded him to the Angels in March. His career numbers in the majors: 15-16 with one save, a 5.11 ERA in 55 appearances, including 41 starts.
His 2019 salary is $567,500, close to the major-league minimum. He is not eligible for arbitration until 2021, at the earliest.
