Pirates clean up 40-man roster, lose 2 players on waivers

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced changes to their 40-man roster Thursday, making room for five players who were activated from the 60-day injured list.

Right-handed pitchers Dugan Darnell and Jared Jones, catcher/first baseman Endy Rodríguez, outfielder Ronny Simon and infielder Enmanuel Valdez were activated.

To make room on the 40-man roster, onetime top prospect Liover Peguero, outfielder Ji Hwan Bae and right-handed pitchers Michael Darrell-Hicks, Jack Little and Darnell were designated for assignment.

Peguero cleared waivers and had his contract assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis. The 24-year-old middle infielder has played parts of the last four seasons with the Pirates, slashing .227/.278/.646 with 11 home runs and 10 stolen bases. He was acquired from Arizona in the 2020 Starling Marte trade.

Bae, 26, was claimed on waivers by the New York Mets. He also played parts of the last four seasons with the Pirates, slashing .223/.294/.586 with two home runs and 37 stolen bases. He played all three outfield positions, second base and shortstop.

Little, 27, was claimed on waivers by the Detroit Tigers. The Pirates claimed him on waivers from the Dodgers in August, and he went 2-1 with a 2.79 ERA in 12 appearances with Triple-A Indianapolis.

Darrell-Hicks, 27, was claimed on waivers from the Los Angeles Angels in June. He pitched one game for the Pirates, throwing two scoreless innings against Milwaukee on June 24, then was sent to Indianapolis.

Darnell, 28, was claimed on waivers from the Colorado Rockies last Friday.

The Pirates also added right-handed pitcher Ryan Harbin to the 40-man roster, which is now at 39 players.

Harbin, a 24-year-old picked in the 17th round of the 2019 draft, went a combined 4-4 with seven saves, a 4.69 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 63 1/3 innings between High-A Greensboro, Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis last season.

Jones and Rodriguez could be significant contributors for the Pirates next season. Jones missed all of last season after elbow surgery. Rodriguez also had elbow surgery, playing only 18 games in an injury-plagued season before going on the 60-day IL in June.