The Reds claimed pitcher Lisalverto Bonilla off waivers from the Pirates, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported on Monday afternoon.
Bonilla, 26, was designated for assignment by the Pirates last Thursday to clear a roster spot for pitcher Pat Light. The Pirates had signed him to a one-year, $575,000 contract back in November.
The right-hander hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2014 and spent last season in the Dodgers’ minor league system. Between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma, Bonilla posted a 3.97 ERA with a 118/40 K/BB ratio over 111 innings.
Bonilla is likely to pitch out of the Reds’ bullpen in a long relief role assuming he makes the 25-man roster, but he could eventually move into the rotation if the need arises.
