UPDATE 2:00 PM: I just spoke with Neal Huntington, who said the deal was more about finding Martis a better opportunity. Looking at the Twins’ pitching situation, I think Martis would have a better shot there than in Pittsburgh, where he was in Double-A, with a lot of options in Triple-A.
UPDATE 1:29 PM: I’ve just confirmed that the return for Martis will be a player to be named later or cash.
10:44 AM: The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded right-handed pitcher Shairon Martis to the Minnesota Twins, per an Altoona press release. No word yet on what the Pirates received in return, although I’m guessing it’s a cash considerations deal.
Martis had been pitching with the Altoona Curve, where he had a 4.56 ERA in 53.1 innings. He started the year with Indianapolis, but put up a 7.56 ERA in 8.1 innings over four relief appearances, then went down with an injury. When he returned from the injury, he returned to the Double-A roster.
Left-hander Kris Johnson has been transferred from Indianapolis to Altoona to take the spot previously held by Martis.
