MIAMI -- The Pirates claimed left-handed pitcher Enny Romero off waivers from Washington on Saturday. No corresponding move was needed on the 40-man roster.
Romero appeared in 53 games out of the Nationals' bullpen last season, posting a 3.56 ERA while striking out 65 over 55 2/3 innings of work.
"It's a big arm," manager Clint Hurdle said of the Bucs' newest acquisition, whose fastball averages 96. "It's a high-velocity arm. He's not just a left-left guy, he's shown the ability to pitch to right-handers as well. And it's sometimes spray command. There's a reason he got DFA."
In just two games this season with Washington, Romero was touched up for five hits and three runs.
"He's a 27-year-old guy that's got some experience and had a pretty solid season last year," Hurdle said. "So we were willing to get out there and put a claim in on him and see if we could get him and take a look at him."
Romero has compiled a 4.70 career ERA over parts of five Major League seasons, the first three with Tampa Bay. What role he might play out of the Pirates' bullpen remains to be seen.
"He does have versatility. It's not really a multiple-inning guy, because of the number of pitches per inning," said Hurdle, who was nevertheless intrigued by the possibilities. "This guy's arm, the velocity is still fresh. It's still real."
Hurdle said he expects Romero to join the club early next week.
"He's not real far away and we're going to be home Monday, so I can't imagine too much past Monday."
Musgrove plans to throw off mound Monday
Right-handed starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (right shoulder muscle strain) has been playing catch and progressing nicely. So much so, in fact, that he plans to throw about 20 pitches off the mound on Monday.
"My shoulder feels good and we're going to keep working at [getting back], even if it takes a month," Musgrove said on Saturday. He added that velocity won't be an issue during his short workout. "Just want to see how it feels and go from there.
"It's frustrating to not be a part of the team. You want to go out and help. These guys are playing really well," said Musgrove, who couldn't help but draw comparison to the Astros team he helped win a World Series with last year.
"There are similarities," he said. "Good young talent, many still look at it as building, but this team is competitive and bonding. Winning helps to do that."