Pirates claim outfielder Trey Cabbage off waivers, decline option on LHP Marco Gonzales

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a series of roster moves Monday, adding roster depth by claiming outfielder Trey Cabbage off waivers Monday from the Houston Astros and creating space by parting ways with four players.

The Pirates declined the $15 million club option on left-handed starting pitcher Marco Gonzales on Saturday, making him a free agent. Gonzales, 32, was 1-1 with a 4.54 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 33 2/3 innings over seven starts but spent most of the season on the injured list.

They also reinstated right-handed starter Johan Oviedo and relievers Dauri Moreta and Hunter Stratton and catcher/infielder Endy Rodríguez from the 60-day injured list. To make room, the Pirates removed righty relievers Ben Heller, Daulton Jefferies and Isaac Mattson from the 40-man roster after clearing waivers.

Cabbage, 27, is a left-handed hitter who has batted .209 (29 for 139) with 11 doubles, two home runs and 15 RBIs in 67 games over two major league seasons. The 6-foot-2, 204-pounder ranked in the 92nd percentile in arm strength, per Statcast. He batted .310 against fastballs last season but .080 with 17 strikeouts against breaking balls.

Cabbage batted .209 (18 for 86) with eight doubles, one homer and eight RBIs in 45 games with the Astros last season. He had a .243/.351/.474 slash line with 12 doubles, three triples, 13 homers, 43 RBIs and 22 stolen bases with 100 strikeouts and 41 walks in 66 games at Triple-A Sugar Land.

In 2023, Cabbage played in 22 games with the Los Angeles Angels and went 11 for 53 with three doubles, a homer and seven RBIs. He can play all three outfield spots and also saw time at first base.