The Colorado Rockies announced on Friday that they claimed right-hander Nick Mears off waivers from the Texas Rangers. With the addition, the Rockies' 40-man roster now sits at 39 players. All three of Mears' major-league seasons in the last three years have come with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He only tossed two scoreless innings for the Bucs in 2022 and has allowed 17 runs (16 earned) on 30 hits while walking 21 and striking out 32 in 30 1/3 relief innings in his three campaigns. The 26-year-old had a 4.80 ERA and 1.40 WHIP down on the farm in 2022, so he'll really need to impress the Rockies coaching staff in spring training in order to get a shot in the Opening Day bullpen in Colorado.
The Texas Rangers designated right-hander Nick Mears for assignment on Tuesday to make room on the 40-man roster for the recently signed Nathan Eovaldi. Mears was just claimed off waivers by the Rangers a week ago, so he may not last long with the organization this offseason. The 26-year-old tossed just two innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022, allowing a hit, walking one and striking out two. He posted a 4.74 ERA in 24 2/3 innings for Triple-A Indianapolis. Mears has appeared 36 times out of the Pirates bullpen the last three years, posting a 4.75 ERA (5.71 FIP), 1.68 WHIP and a 32:21 K:BB ratio in 30 1/3 innings pitched.
