Kim catches on with Pirates, to be used out of bullpen

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Free-agent pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim finalized an $850,000, one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, four days after agreeing to terms.

The Pirates also designated infielder Ray Olmedo for assignment.

Kim, expected to join the team Monday, could earn up to $1.15 million in performance bonuses based on games pitched. His deal guarantees him $300,000.

General manager Neal Huntington said the 29-year-old Kim will be used exclusively in relief. Last season, 22 of his 28 appearances with Colorado, Florida and Arizona were starts. He went 10-8 with a 6.08 ERA.

"He has been tough on right-handers when he pitched primarily as a reliever," Huntington said. "Kim adds an experienced option for us in our bullpen competition."

The Pirates have four bullpen openings, with only right-handed closer Matt Capps and left-handers John Grabow and Damaso Marte considered locks.

The Pirates hope to keep Olmedo if he clears waivers. Olmedo, a waiver claim last month from the Toronto Blue Jays, had been one of 13 infielders in camp.