The Pirates added right-hander Clay Holmes to their 40-man roster Friday night, protecting the 23-year-old prospect from being selected by another team next month in the Rule 5 draft.
Holmes, a ninth-round draft pick in 2011, had a 4.22 ERA in 26 starts last season for Class AA Altoona.
The Pirates’ 40-man roster is full. It includes 19 pitchers, 12 infielders, five outfielders and four catchers. Earlier this month, right-hander Dovydas Neverauskas and corner infielder/outfielder Jose Osuna were added to the 40-man roster to avoid them reaching minor league free agency.