Pitcher Luebke, outfielder Joyce, make Pirates
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH – Cory Luebke’s comeback is complete.
The veteran left-hander made the Pittsburgh Pirates 25-man roster on Sunday, surviving the final round of cuts as he works his way back from multiple elbow surgeries that threatened his career.
The 31-year-old Luebke last pitched in the majors with San Diego in 2012. A starter with the Padres, Luebke will work out of the bullpen as a long reliever with the Pirates.
Outfielder Matt Joyce and infielder Cole Figueroa also made it through the final round of cuts before Sunday’s opener against St. Louis.
Infielder Jason Rogers, signed away from Milwaukee during the offseason, was reassigned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Infielders Pedro Florimon and Jake Goebbert and right-handed reliever John Holdzkom were designated for assignment.
Pittsburgh placed catcher Elias Diaz, right-handed reliever Jared Hughes and infielder Jung Ho Kang on the 15-day disabled list.