The Pirates claimed left-handed pitcher Sam Howard off waivers from the Rockies Wednesday.
Howard was considered one of the best pitching prospects in the Rockies' farm system a few years ago, ranking 12th overall in the Colorado system in 2017, according to MLB Pipeline. However, he struggled when he made the jump to Triple-A and was moved to the bullpen last season.
Howard has pitched 23 major league innings over the last two years, going 2-0 with a 5.87 ERA and a 6.16 FIP. He made 42 appearances in Triple-A Albuquerque last season, all in relief, and finished with a 3.