Pirates claim lefty reliever Williams Jerez on waivers from Giants

In a little-reported trade at the end of spring training, the San Francisco Giant sent left-handed pitcher Williams Jerez to the Los Angeles Angels for righty Chris Stratton.

Now, as luck would have it, they’re both now members of the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen.

The Pirates claimed the 27-year-old Jerez on waivers from the Giants on Friday.

Jerez spent most of this season with Triple-A Sacramento, going 4-4 with a 3.86 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 56 innings. In six games with the Giants, he was 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA.

Jerez was designated for assignment when Giants starter Johnny Cueto came off the injured list earlier this week.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Pirates place Kyle Crick on the 60-day IL. Crick had finger surgery after a clubhouse fight with teammate Felipe Vazquez on Monday.

The Pirates acquired Stratton from the Angels in May for cash considerations. He went 1-1 with a 3.43 ERA with the Pirates before going on the IL Aug. 29 with a right side injury.