After reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates released reliever Kevin Siegrist when he didn't make the big-league club out of spring training, The Athletic's Rob Biertempfel reports the left-hander has instead been suspended. Per his contract, Siegrist was required to report to Triple-A Indianapolis if he didn't make the 25-man roster. He refused, and the Pirates suspended him as a result. Biertempfel added that Siegrist's contract opt-out date is June 1 if he's not in the big leagues. The southpaw was a stalwart in the St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen from 2013 until he was waived last September following an injury-filled season. He's not fantasy-relevant even if the Pirates call him up eventually.
Free-agent relief pitcher Kevin Siegrist signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com. The lefty Siegrist will receive a major league spring training invite and will fight to join a Pirates bullpen that just lost Daniel Hudson in the Corey Dickerson trade. Siegrist, 28, pitched for the Cardinals and Phillies last season, posting a 4.81 ERA in 39 1/3 innings, but he has been very successful in the past. He broke into the league in 2013 by allowing just two earned runs in 39 2/3 innings, striking out 50 batters, and after a poor 2014 season went 13-4 with a 2.44 ERA in 2015 and 2016 with the Cardinals, striking out 150 batters in 136 1/3 innings. Walks are a problem, as he allowed five walks per nine innings last season and 4.2 for his career, but this is a good low-risk signing for the Buccos.
The New York Mets have scouted free-agent relief pitcher Kevin Siegrist, according to a source. The Mets are still in the market for relievers and could use a lefty specialist in their bullpen. Siegrist was a dominant lefty arm in recent seasons, but his value is down this offseason after he posted a 4.81 ERA in 39 1/3 innings last year with the Phillies. He can be extremely tough on lefties and is a good candidate to bounce back in the right situation, although he wouldn't have much fantasy value without a path to saves.
Kolten Wong, Kevin Siegrist Activated From the Disabled List
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong (triceps) was activated from the disabled list, with relief pitcher Kevin Siegrist (spine) also being activated. Infielder Alex Mejia and starting pitcher Luke Weaver were both optioned to make room on the active roster. Wong last played on June 14th, and he should be returning to consistent playing time, although manager Mike Matheny may ease him in for the first few games.
