Pittsburgh Pirates place Wandy Rodriguez on release waivers

Left-hander Wandy Rodriguez has been placed on unconditional release waivers, eight days after the team designated him for assignment. The more is merely a formality at this point, as it was clear that they were looking to part ways with the 35 year old veteran.

Pittsburgh elected to make the decision to DFA Rodriguez a little over a week ago, needing space on the active roster to activate catcher Russell Martin from the disabled list. The move marked an unceremonious end to Rodriguez’ tenure with the Pirates after being acquired from the Houston Astros in 2012. Since that time he’s made just 31 appearances (30 starts) for the team, posting a 4.16 ERA and 1.278 WHIP across 164.1 IP.

In six starts this season Rodriguez has particularly struggled. His walk rate has risen to 2.7 BB/9 and he’s been plagued by the home run ball, giving up 10 in his 26.2 innings of work (3.4 HR/9). His 6.75 ERA and 1.688 WHIP are both career worsts.

Rodriguez is slated to earn $13 Million this season before heading to free agency. Houston is paying roughly $5.5 Million of that, meaning that the Pirates will swallow just over $5 Million upon giving Rodriguez his release.

While his tenure with the club has been a disappointment, the move to acquire him wasn’t a total bust for Pittsburgh. Houston received a pair of left-handed starters in the deal in Rudy Owens and Colton Cain, neither of whom have seen any time at the Major League level to date. The third player that went to Houston, outfielder Robbie Grossman, has hit a combined .243/.315/.352 in 361 PA over parts of the past two seasons.