Pirates Promote Veteran Pitcher to Bolster Bullpen
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered their bullpen by selecting the contract of right-handed pitcher Tanner Rainey, adding the experienced reliever to their 26-man roster. The move comes as infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to May 1), while right-hander Justin Lawrence was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day injured list to clear space on the 40-man roster.
We have selected the contract of RHP Tanner Rainey to the 26-man roster and placed INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the 10-day injured list (retro to May 1).
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 3, 2025
RHP Justin Lawrence has been transferred from the 15- to 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster.
Rainey, 31, brings a wealth of late-inning experience to Pittsburgh, most notably as a key piece in the Washington Nationals' bullpen during their 2019 World Series run. Known for his high-velocity fastball and swing-and-miss slider, Rainey had a career-best 2.66 ERA and 12 saves in 2022 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. After signing a minor league deal with the Pirates this offseason, he has been working his way back to full strength, showing flashes of his pre-surgery form in the minors.
The Pirates will rely on Rainey’s postseason experience and strikeout ability in high-leverage situations. His return to the majors marks another step in his comeback journey, offering Pittsburgh a potential late-inning weapon as they attempt to climb out of the NL Central cellar.
Ethan Merrill is from Grand Rapids, MI, and brings with him a diverse background of experiences. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, he worked with the Arizona Diamondbacks for three seasons before settling in the Pittsburgh area in 2020. With a passion for sports and a growing connection to his community, Ethan brings a fresh perspective to covering the Pittsburgh Pirates.