The Pittsburgh Pirates today acquired left-handed pitcher Jesse Biddle from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for right-handed pitcher Yoervis Medina, who was recently outrighted off Pittsburgh's 40-man roster. The announcement was made by Pirates Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.
The 24-year-old Biddle posted a 9-6 record and a 4.95 ERA (125.1ip/69er) in 24 combined starts last season between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He underwent "Tommy John" surgery on October 15 and was designated for assignment by the Phillies on January 29.
Biddle was Philadelphia's first-round selection (27th pick overall) in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia.
A Florida State League mid-season All-Star in 2012 and an Eastern League mid-season All-Star in 2013, Biddle represented the Phillies at the MLB All-Star Futures Game in 2013.
In 133 career appearances (132 starts) during his minor league career, Biddle has recorded a 40-45 record, 660 strikeouts and a 3.81 ERA (677.1ip/287er).
To make room for Biddle on the 40-man roster, the Pirates have designated right-handed pitcher A.J. Schugel for assignment.