Pirates' Anthony Banda: Joins Bucs

The Pirates claimed Banda off waivers from the Mets on Monday.

Banda doesn't have any minor-league options remaining, so Pittsburgh will need to clear a spot for him on the 26-man active roster ahead of Monday's series opener in Milwaukee. The 27-year-old lefty has made five career big-league starts, but he's worked in long relief over his five appearances with the Mets in 2021, giving up six runs on 14 hits and a walk over 7.1 innings. Pittsburgh will likely plug Banda into the bullpen initially, but he could emerge as a rotation option if the Pirates' starting depth is tested over the final two months of the season.