The Pirates yesterday traded minor league pitcher Listher Sosa to Arizona for utility infielder Josh VanMeter. VanMeter hit .212 with 17 doubles, two triples, six home runs, and 36 RBIs for the Diamondbacks last year. He was designated for assignment on Monday. Outfielder Jared Oliva was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for VanMeter.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tweeted yesterday that the Pirates and Padres have been talking about a possible trade of star centerfielder Bryan Reynolds to San Diego. Nightengale says pitching prospects Chris Paddock and Ryan Weathers have been mentioned as possible returns for Reynolds, who homered and made a diving catch yesterday in the Pirates’ 4-4 spring training tie with the Orioles.
Pitcher Zach Thompson went four scoreless innings for the Pirates against the O’s yesterday. He is making a bid for a spot in the rotation after coming to Pittsburgh in the Jacob Stallings trade over the winter. Infielder Diego Castillo hit his fourth home run and third in two days.
After getting hit hard in his first two starts of the spring, lefty Jose Quintana will start today against the Blue Jays. You’ll hear the game on WCCS at one o’clock.
