Pirates decline club option on pitcher Radhames Liz

PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pirates declined a $2.25 million club option on pitcher Radhames Liz on Thursday, who gets a $250,000 buyout.

Liz's contract specified if the team declined the option, he would be released.

The 32-year-old right-hander went 1-4 with a 4.24 ERA in 14 games as a reliever for Pittsburgh in 2015, his first season in the majors since appearing in two games for Baltimore in 2009.

He gained his first victory in the majors in six years on April 23 when he pitched two scoreless innings of relief in a game against the Chicago Cubs. The right-hander struggled in his final appearance for Pittsburgh, allowing three runs in an extra inning loss to Milwaukee on Sept. 10.