The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed minor league free agent Billy Nowlin and have assigned him to the State College Spikes. Nowlin, an outfielder, was drafted in the 25th round by the Detroit Tigers in 2008, and has played as high as the AA level, hitting for a .268/.309/.465 line in 142 at-bats in the Eastern League. This year he returned to low-A, where he had a .243/.324/.388 line in 152 at-bats, before being released by the Tigers on July 1st.
The Pirates have demoted left handed pitcher and 2011 18th round draft choice Josh Poytress to the GCL to make room for Nowlin.
The Pirates have also promoted left hander Jhonathan Ramos from West Virginia to Bradenton, and have transferred left hander Eliecer Navarro from Bradenton to West Virginia.
Joe Beimel was transferred to Altoona, from Bradenton, where he will resume his rehab work, starting today.
