Pirates lose Lambo to A's on waiver claim
Pittsburgh also outrights Cumpton, Sadler to Triple-A Indianapolis
PITTSBURGH -- The A's claimed outfielder Andrew Lambo from the Pirates off waivers on Friday night, one of three players dropped off the Bucs' 40-man roster.
Additionally, right-handers Brandon Cumpton and Casey Sadler -- both expected to miss all of next season as they recover from injuries -- were outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis after clearing waivers.
The Pirates now have 33 players on their 40-man roster. While they lost Lambo and removed Cumpton and Sadler, they activated Jung Ho Kang from the 60-day disabled list Friday and added shortstop Gift Ngoepe on Thursday.
Lambo, 27, made his Major League debut with the Pirates in 2013 and played 59 games with the Bucs in parts of three seasons. He made the Opening Day roster this year and recorded only one hit in 27 plate appearances.
Lambo last played on May 3, sitting out the rest of the season due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot. He is currently playing winter ball with the Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Republic.
Cumpton and Sadler will remain in the organization as they recover from season-ending injuries suffered this year. Both players are under contract through next season.
"Our intent is to help them return to health and have them help us again in the future," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said in a text message.
Sadler, 25, last pitched on June 21 for Indianapolis. He was placed on the Pirates' 60-day disabled list on Sept. 1 and continued to feel discomfort and pain as he worked through a throwing program, eventually leading him to undergo Tommy John surgery in October.
Cumpton, 26, sat out last season following Tommy John surgery and will likely be sidelined throughout 2016 following right shoulder subacromial decompression surgery in September.