When the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Jordan Lyles during the Winter Meetings, more than a few eyebrows were raised. The club had just traded Ivan Nova away, so the questions ran rampant. Were the Pirates going to go after another starter? Was Lyles a bullpen signing? What would happen to Nick Kingham or Steven Brault after Lyles’ arrival to an already-crowded 40-man?
I would hope that Jeff Sullivan’s take on the signing would lower those brows just a bit. In case you missed it, here’s the money shot:
Last year, Lyles started to abandon his two-seam fastball, favoring the four-seam variety.