Domingo

Leyba

With several middle infielders leaving the team’s spring training camp to join their World Baseball Classic squads, the Pirates needed to add some depth. They did just that by signing Rougned Odor on Thursday and Leyba on Friday. The 27-year-old spent the 2022 season in the Padres organization where he slashed .255/.356/.399 with 11 homers, 64 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 108 games between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso.

Leyba appeared in 34 games at the major-league level with the Diamondbacks and Orioles last season, batting an underwhelming .115/.198/.161 with one homer across 96 plate appearances. The 26-year-old former top prospect closed out last year at Triple-A Round Rock with the Rangers after being released by the Orioles in mid-August. He’ll look to turn the page and start fresh with the Padres next season.

The 25-year-old was released by the Orioles on August 19. He has struggled in 34 games at the big league level this season, hitting just .115/.198/.161 with one homer, four RBI and a 23/8 K/BB ratio in 96 plate appearances between the Diamondbacks and Orioles.

Leyba was designated for assignment on August 4 and went unclaimed on waivers. The former Detroit and Arizona prospect has hit .154/.236/.215 in 72 plate appearances, and will now seek other opportunities.

Leyba was designated for assignment by the Orioles on August 4 but went unclaimed on waivers. The 25-year-old carried a .154/.236/.215 slash lines over 72 plate appearances.

Leyba was optioned out Tuesday after hitting .154/.236/.215 in 72 plate appearances for the Orioles. He’s going back on waivers two months after the Orioles claimed him from the Diamondbacks.

Leyba has managed just a .359 OPS over 34 games for the Diamondbacks and Orioles this season. Richie Martin is taking his spot on the roster.

The 25-year-old was recently claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks in early June and will take the place of Freddy Galvis, who was just sent to the injured list with a right quad strain. Leyba is 0-for-22 this season at the major league level.

Leyba is hitless in 22 at-bats this season after being suspended for the duration of 2020 due to PEDs. The 25-year-old will report to Triple-A Norfolk for now, but given the Orioles’ second base situation could get a chance before long.

This move clears out a roster spot for Ildemaro Vargas, who was acquired from the Pirates on Wednesday. Leyba recorded zero hits and seven strikeouts in 13 games (24 plate appearances) for the D-backs.