Pirates claim reliever Rondon off waivers from O's

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates claimed reliever Jorge Rondon on waivers from the Orioles on Tuesday, effectively swapping the 27-year-old right-hander for Vance Worley, who was claimed by Baltimore last week.

When the Orioles picked up Worley from the Pirates on Oct. 20, they designated Rondon for assignment in a corresponding move. A week later, the Pirates announced the addition of Rondon to their 40-man roster.

Rondon has struggled in his limited Major League experience, going 0-1 with a 12.33 ERA in 11 appearances for the Cardinals, Rockies and Orioles over the past two seasons. But he has pitched well in the Minors the past few years. He finished 3-1 with a 2.23 ERA in 60 2/3 innings and didn't allow a home run over 35 appearances last year for Triple-A Albuquerque and Norfolk.

In 2014, Rondon posted a 3.03 ERA over 51 appearances in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. In 123 innings over the last two years, Rondon has given up only three home runs.

The Cardinals signed Rondon as an international free agent out of Venezuela on July 3, 2006. He made his big league debut for St. Louis on June 29, 2014.

The Pirates now have 38 players on their 40-man roster, plus five more on the 60-day disabled list.