PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pirates left-hander Wandy Rodriguez has exercised his $13 million player option for 2014.
The 34-year-old went 6-4 with a 3.59 ERA for Pittsburgh, missing the final four months of the season with discomfort in his left forearm. Rodriguez attempted to come back from the discomfort twice only to have it return.
His deal originally included a team option, but it became his when the Astros traded him in July 2012. Houston will pay $5.5 million of next year’s salary.
Rodriguez is 11-8 since the Pirates acquired him. If healthy, he could provide insurance in the starting rotation if free agent A.J. Burnett retires or signs elsewhere.
Pittsburgh also said outfielder Felix Pie rejected an outright to Triple-A Indianapolis and elected to become a free agent. The 28-year-old hit .138 in 27 games this year.
