The Pirates selected the contract of infielder Diego Castillo Sunday, preventing him from becoming a minor-league free agent.
To make room on the roster, the team designated right-handed pitcher José Soriano for assignment.
Castillo, 24, was acquired from the Yankees in the Clay Holmes deadline trade. After posting middling results for years in the Yankees’ system, he enjoyed a breakout campaign with their Class AA affiliate, slashing .277/.345/.504 with 11 home runs and 18 doubles over 249 plate appearances before the trade.
He continued to hit well after coming to the Pirates, and was promoted to Class AAA Indianapolis, where he posted a .