Radhames Liz signs one-year deal with the Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates today signed right-handed pitcher Radhames Liz (pronounced rod-AH-miss LEEZ) to a contract for the 2015 season. The announcement was made by Pirates Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.

The 31-year-old Liz is currently pitching in the Dominican Winter League, where he has gone 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA (23.2ip/5er) and 29 strikeouts in five starts with Estrellas de Oriente.

Liz spent the 2014 regular season in the Toronto organization and went 3-2 with a 2.95 ERA (61.0ip/20er) in 12 combined starts between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo.

Signed by Baltimore as a non-drafted free agent in 2003, Liz made his Major League debut with the Orioles in 2007. He won six games while making 17 starts with Baltimore during the 2008 season, winning his first big league game on June 3 at Minnesota. Liz made his last appearance in the Major Leagues with the Orioles on 4/20/90.

After pitching in the Baltimore organization for seven years (2003-2009), Liz spent the 2010 campaign with Triple-A Portland (San Diego system) prior to pitching three seasons in Korea with the LG Twins.

The Pirates have also designated RHP Josh Lindblom for assignment.