{"id":242350,"date":"2026-07-13T16:34:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T16:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/242350\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T16:34:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T16:34:22","slug":"pirates-trade-relief-pitcher-to-orioles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/242350\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates Trade Relief Pitcher to Orioles"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Pittsburgh Pirates have finally reached the All-Star break, but are still making roster changes ahead of the second half of the season.<\/p>\n

The Pirates traded right-handed relief pitcher Cam Sanders to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations on July 13.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh designated Sanders for assignment<\/a> on July 11, after optioning him<\/a> to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 10, as they needed a roster spot for the additions of left-handed pitcher Brandon Eisert and infielder Jacob Gonzalez, who joined the team in a trade<\/a> with the Chicago White Sox on July 10.<\/p>\n

The Pirates also transferred shortstop Konnor Griffin from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list to make a second spot on the 40-man roster.<\/p>\n

Why the Pirates Traded Sanders<\/p>\n

The Pirates trading Sanders means that the Orioles had interest in him and were willing to get ahead of the competition, by sending some money for him.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh would’ve also had to put Sanders on waivers if they optioned him again that season, as he was in an option year, but six options puts a player on waivers, so they got ahead of themslves by doing this.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Jul 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Cam Sanders (64) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

The Pirates did the same thing when they designated former right-handed pitcher Justin Lawrence for assignment on May 29, as they soon traded him to the Minnesota Twins<\/a> on June 1, also for cash considerations.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh got ahead of themselves when they trade catcher Joey Bart to the Atlanta Braves for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton on June 18. <\/p>\n

The Pirates weren’t going to put Bart back on the 26-man roster, with Endy Rodr\u00edguez and Henry Davis their preferred choices at catcher, and since Bart didn’t have any options left, they traded him<\/a> instead of putting him on waivers, landing another reliever in the process.<\/p>\n

Cam Sanders’ Tenure With Pirates<\/p>\n

Sanders had five different stints with the Pirates in 2026, making nine appearances out of the bullpen and posting a 8.68 ERA over 9.1 innings pitched, 13 strikeouts to 10 walks, a .250 batting average allowed (BAA) and a 2.04 WHIP.<\/p>\n

He made his MLB debut for the Pirates in August 2025, where he posted a 8.10 ERA over six outings and 6.2 innings pitched, with five walks to four strikeouts, a .310 BAA and a 2.10 WHIP.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Aug 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Cam Sanders (64) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Sanders signed with the Pirates ahead of the 2025 season and spent most of that year with Double-A Altoona and most of 2026 with Triple-A Indianapolis.<\/p>\n

The Pirates have seven pitchers in their bullpen, four right-handers in Isaac Mattson, Carmen Mlodzinski, Yohan Ram\u00edrez and Dennis Santana, plus three left-handers in Eisert, Mason Montgomery and Gregory Soto.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh has one more available spot in their bullpen after optioning rookie right-handed pitcher Antwone Kelly<\/a> to Indianapolis on July 12, with a corresponding move coming ahead of their next series vs. the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, July 17-19.<\/p>\n

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!<\/a><\/p>\n

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