PHILADELPHIA -- The Pirates claimed right-handed pitcher Robert Stephenson off of waivers from the Rockies Saturday, giving them another arm ahead of the final month of the season.
Stephenson, 29, has struggled this season with the Rockies, recording a 6.04 ERA over 44 2/3 innings with fairly even home/road splits despite pitching in Coors Field. He's struck out 37 and walked 13.
There is obvious appeal for why the Pirates would take a flyer on the right-hander. He was a top 100 prospect from 2013-2016, maxing out as the No. 19 prospect while with the Reds in 2019. While he hasn't lived up to that billing, he has carved out a solid career as a major-league reliever, recording a 3.13 ERA in 46 innings with the Rockies in 2021.
"He's a veteran," Derek Shelton said in the visitor's dugout at Citizen's Bank Park. "He's pitched in the big leagues. He's pitched in different roles. I think it gives us an opportunity to get a look at him."
He mainly relies on two pitches, a four-seamer that averages about 97 mph and a a high spin slider, which gets about 2,900 RPM. Last year he also consistently threw a curveball, but he has rarely dusted it off this season.
Stephenson has one potential year of team control remaining through arbitration.
To make room on the roster, infielder Kevin Padlo has been designated for assignment. He went 0-for-11 with the major-league team and was optioned to the minors Tuesday.
A corresponding move to the 26-man roster will be made when Stephenson joins the team.
CASTRO TO SERVE SUSPENSION
Rodolfo Castro has lost his appeal for his one-game suspension for him unknowingly bringing his cell phone onto the field against the Diamondbacks on August 9. He will serve the suspension Saturday.
