With Chris Archer shut down, Pirates claim infielder Corban Joseph to fill roster vacancy
After shutting down pitcher Chris Archer for the remainder of the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates filled his spot on the 40-man roster Monday with 30-year-old minor-league infielder Corban Joseph.
Joseph, who finished second in batting average (.371) with Las Vegas in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League this season, was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants. Joseph has been with four major-league organizations — New York Yankees (2013), Baltimore Orioles (2018) and the Oakland A’s and Giants this season. In 35 games, he has hit .169 with a home run and 10 RBIs.
Joseph has spent the majority of his time at second base, but he also has played first and third base. He even pitched one inning for Las Vegas this season, giving up two home runs.
To make room for Joseph, the Pirates moved Archer from the 10-day to the 60-day injured list. He hasn’t pitched since Aug. 21 when he left his start against the Washington Nationals with shoulder discomfort.
In 33 games with the Pirates the past two seasons, he is 6-12 with a 4.92 ERA and 1.395 WHIP. He is 3-9 this season, with a 5.19 ERA and 1.412 WHIP.
Archer’s contract for 2020 includes an $8.25 million club option.
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Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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