Lefty reliever Rob Zastryzny elected minor league free agency, per his transaction log at MLB.com. He cleared outright waivers after being designated for assignment by the Pirates earlier in the week.
Zastryzny pitched in 21 games for the Bucs this season. He tossed 20 2/3 innings, working to a 4.79 ERA in the largest workload of his big league career. While his fastball averaged a personal-high 93 MPH, he struck out a well below-average 15.5% of batters faced. Zastryzny also walked opponents at a lofty 13.4% clip and spent a bit of time on the injured list with forearm inflammation.
The 31-year-old had better underlying numbers with the Bucs’ Triple-A team. His 4.41 ERA over 16 1/3 innings wasn’t far off his big league mark, but he had a solid 23.9% strikeout percentage while walking a microscopic 1.5% of batters faced. He kept the ball on the ground at a 45.8% clip.
Zastryzny has been outrighted a few times in his career, which gave him the right to test free agency. He wouldn’t be eligible for postseason play if he catches on with another club for the rest of the season. It wouldn’t be surprising if he turns his attention to a 2024 landing spot this late in the year.
Good riddance
He’ll be with the Reds before you know it.
He’s left-handed. I’m sure someone else will give him a chance. Note to self. if I have a son teach him how to pitch left handed.
And the Pirate equipment manager rejoices.
A shame Shelton can’t elect free agency
Leaving Keller in last night’s game to get shelled for 8 runs is just another one of his worst decisions as manager
Wonder what team he’ll be camp fodder for next season