Former Milwaukee Brewers Lefty Inks Deal with Pittsburgh Pirates
Veteran left-hander Eric Lauer has signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Ken Rosenthal of 'The Athletic.'
Free-agent left-hander Eric Lauer headed to Pirates on minor-league deal, sources tell
Lauer was most recently a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. He had been outrighted to Triple-A in October and then almost immediately elected free agency.
With the Pirates, he'll get an opportunity to contend for a starting rotation spot - although he's behind the curve in terms of getting ready for the season at this point.
The 28-year-old Ohio native appeared in 10 games for the Brewers last year, making nine starts. He slumped to a 4-6 record and a 6.56 ERA over 46.2 innings.
Lauer does bring considerable experience with him to Pittsburgh, having pitched in parts of six major league seasons with the Brewers and Padres. With the exception of last years struggles, he's been a valued starter most years of his career. He's made 20 starts or more in four of his five full seasons (he also made two starts in the COVID 2020 season).
He made 29 starts for the Brewers in '22 and has tossed more than 140 innings twice in his career.
He owns a lifetime 4.30 ERA over 120 games.
If he's able to crack the Pirates rotation, he figures to join veterans Mitch Keller, Marco Gonzales and Martin Perez. Top prospect and former No. 1 draft pick Paul Skenes was told this week that he'll start the season in the minor leagues, but he could debut later this year.
Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media
Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.
