Pirates claim Chris Leroux, DFA Brian Bass

The Pirates have claimed Chris Leroux from the Florida Marlins. To make room for Leroux on the 40-man Roster, the Pirates have Designated Brian Bass for Assignment. (Bass allowed 10 earned runs and walked 10 in 7.1 innings.)

In 17 games with the Marlins this season he was 0-0 with an 7.00 ERA. (14 earned runs allowed in 18 innings) In five games in 2009, he was 0-0 with a 10.80 ERA.

The 26-year-old Canadian is 14-20 with a 4.15 ERA through five seasons in the minors.

Some more stats on Leroux:

• He was drafted in the seventh-round by the Florida Marlins.
• During his senior year of College, Leroux had Tommy John surgery.
• His pitches are: Fastball, change-up and Slider.
• His fastball hits in the mid 90′s and has had control issues with his change up.
• Leroux was a catcher throughout his college years and was turned into a pitcher after being drafted.
• The right-hander is 6’6″, 226 pounds.
• Leroux is expected to join the Pirates on Tuesday at Citi field.

“He’s a big physical right-hander with arm strength,” general manager Neal Huntington said of Leroux, whose fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s. “[He] could be a depth reliever for us, or if he clicks, [he] could be more. We thought it was a pretty reasonable chance to take on a young guy with a good arm and some upside.”