The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired right-handed pitcher Johnny Barbato from the New York Yankees for cash considerations. Barbato was optioned to Indianapolis, and no corresponding 40-man roster move was needed, due to the Pirates having three open spots.
Barbato pitched briefly with the Yankees last year, making 13 appearances with some poor results. He had a 7.62 ERA, although his 3.74 xFIP was much better. He got a lot of strikeouts, with a 10.4 K/9, but struggled with the long ball, due to a 20% HR/FB ratio. He also dealt with some control problems.
During his time in the minors, Barbato has been a strikeout pitcher, averaging over a batter an inning at almost every stage of his career.