Justin

Lawrence

Lawrence heads to Minnesota after struggling to an inflated 5.32 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 25/12 K/BB ratio across 22 innings for the Pirates this season. The 31-year-old middle reliever is a sinker/sweeper combo arm with decent velocity but he doesn’t miss enough bats or possess the pinpoint control to envision pitching in high-leverage spots at this stage of his career.

Lawrence had an 0.51 ERA with the Pirates in 2025 in 17 2/3 innings, but reverted back in to usual form (career 5.05 ERA) with a 5.32 ERA in 22 innings thus far in 2026. This move clears roster space for the activation of Jared Jones. Lawrence should draw interest on waivers if healthy as he’s on a reasonable $1.225 million contract.

After being picked up from the Rockies, Lawrence missed most of last year with elbow inflammation, but he allowed just one run over 17 2/3 innings while healthy. He’ll be in the mix for a setup role as the potential No. 2 right-hander in the Pirates pen.

The 30-year-old right-hander rejoins the Pirates’ bullpen after missing nearly five months due to inflammation in his right elbow. Prior to landing on the injured list, Lawrence had registered a 0.79 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and a 15/6 K/BB ratio over 11 1/3 innings in his first 11 appearances. Colin Holderman was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move on Friday.

Lawrence won’t be eligible to return from his elbow issue until the end of June. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Tanner Rainey.

No word yet on how long the 30-year-old right-hander is expected to be sidelined for. Mike Burrows was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move on Thursday to take Lawrence’s place in the Pirates’ bullpen.

Lawrence was designated for assignment Saturday and finds a new home a couple days later. The 30-year-old was awful with a 6.49 ERA in 59 2/3 innings in 2024, but offers a middle-inning arm for the Pirates to begin the 2025 campaign.

Lawrence was awful in 2024 with a 6.49 ERA and 1.78 WHIP while forging an ugly 45/33 K/BB over his 59 2/3 innings. Teams could have interest in Lawrence because of his previous success and hope he can rebound away from Coors Field, but it’ll all but assuredly be in a low-leverage role.

The 30-year-old right-hander briefly held the Rockies’ closer role in 2024 but ultimately registered a putrid 6.49 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and a 45/33 K/BB ratio over 59 2/3 innings with just two saves on the season. Fantasy managers would be wise to avoid the Rockies’ bullpen altogether in 2025.

Lawrence missed three weeks with a shoulder strain. It’ll probably take a little while, but he should work his way back into the closing mix for the Rockies as the year goes along. That’s no reason to roster him at the moment, though.