The Pirates designated right-handed reliever George Kontos for assignment Friday in order to make room on the active roster for starter Joe Musgrove as he prepares to make his 2018 debut after rehabbing his right shoulder.
When a player is designated for assignment -- often abbreviated "DFA" -- that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster, and 25-man roster if he was on that as well. Within seven days of the transaction (it was previously 10 days), the player must either be traded, released or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.
The 32-year-old Kontos has struggled this season, recording a 5.