The Pirates had to clear room on the 40-man roster yesterday for 2019 first round pick Quinn Priester to make his MLB debut. The move they made was designating 2018 first rounder Travis Swaggerty for assignment.
The move to part with the 25-year-old outfield prospect was a surprising one. Swaggerty has missed a lot of development time through his career, including this year as he deals with migraines and vertigo issues. His wife has also dealt with a rare blood disease after being attacked by a rabid raccoon.
It’s been a tough year for Swaggerty, who only has 72 plate appearances at the Triple-A level.