The Pittsburgh Pirates have released right-handed pitcher David Whitehead, one year after acquiring him in the Charlie Morton trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. Whitehead began the 2016 season in the starting rotation for Altoona, making 11 starts before he was demoted to Bristol. The 24-year-old had a 7.83 ERA and 2.15 WHIP in 46 innings with Altoona, walking more than one batter per inning. He also hit nine batters and had a very poor ground ball rate, with almost nothing going right during his time in Double-A.
When he got to Bristol, things barely got better, despite dropping four levels and being one of the oldest players in the league.