Pittsburgh Pirates designate Wandy Rodriguez for assignment

The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated Wandy Rodriguez for assignment. The club now has ten days to trade or release the former Astro.

Rodriguez, who was traded to the Pirates in July of 2012 for Robbie Grossman, Rudy Owens and Colton Cain, has been hampered by injuries for the past two seasons. A forearm strain limited the lefty to only 12 starts last season. This year, Rodriguez has made only six starts due to a right knee injury.

The Astros are paying $5.5 million of Wandy’s $13 million salary for the 2014 season. That is more than the club is paying any of its current players, with the exception of Scott Feldman and Dexter Fowler. Since they are already paying him — the question has to be asked. Would the Astros be interested in a Rodriguez reunion?

I doubt it. But you never know. Stranger things have definitely happened. If they were interested, the Astros would need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Wandy. Given the way he has pitched this season (10 homeruns allowed in only 26 & 2/3 innings) that seems unlikely. A more likely scenario: Wandy goes through waivers unclaimed and is outrighted to AAA.

I wouldn’t mind bringing him back and giving him a shot in the bullpen. Rodriguez is only 35, and he isleft-handed. Either way, I certainly hope this isn’t the end of the line for Wandy. In his prime, he was a joy to watch — and was one of my favorite players.