Pittsburgh Pirates Release Jonathan Sanchez

Jonathan Sanchez has been released by the Pirates. (Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

Brought aboard on just a minor league deal over the winter, Jonathan Sanchez has been released by the Pittsburgh Pirates after clearing waivers, according to Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Sanchez had been designated for assignment on April 30th by the team after throwing just 13.2 IP in five appearances (four starts). He’d post an 0-3 record, 11.85 ERA, and 2.415 WHIP for the Pirates before the team elected to make a move. Sanchez received a chance to make the team’s Opening Day roster thanks to injuries affecting the remainder of the team’s pitching staff, notably to Francisco Liriano and Jeff Karstens.

Sanchez is 39-58 for his career, with a 4.70 ERA and 1.464 WHIP over 786.1 IP. His best years came with the San Francisco Giants, with whom he was a reliable – though never highly relied upon – member of the team’s starting rotation. However, since the Giants traded him to the Kansas City Royals prior to the 2012 season his command has completely eluded him. Sanchez has walked 60 and given up 107 hits in the 78.1 IP he’s thrown since.

Interest in the left-hander was minimal this past offseason, but at just 30 years of age there still could be reason for a team to take a chance on him provided he’s willing to pitch in the minor leagues. He’ll likely need to succeed there before another team will give him an opportunity at the Major League level.