GLENDALE, Ariz. - It's not a permanent assignment. Well, at least not for now.
Brandon Waddell has been a starter his entire pro career with the Pirates, after being a starter with the University of Virginia. But he was sent to the Arizona Fall League this offseason to pitch out of the bullpen for the first time.
The move is a common one. Each team sends four pitchers to the league, and typically only one of those pitchers will start. Waddell is representing the Pirates alongside top prospect Mitch Keller, and hard-throwing lefty pitching prospect Taylor Hearn.