Bell is a finalist for NL rookie of year
Josh Bell was named one of three finalists for the National League rookie of the year award Monday.
Bell, a 25-year-old switchhitter, hit 26 home runs with a .334 on-base percentage and a .255 average in 2017, his first full year in the major leagues. He played in every game but three and recorded 620 plate appearances, second to only Andrew McCutchen on the team.
Bell debuted in 2016 and walked more than he struck out in 152 plate appearances, posting a .368 OBP. This year, his strikeout rate increased from 12.5 percent to 18.9, and his walk rate decreased from 13.8 percent to 10.6. But he raised his slugging percentage by 60 points.
As the season went on, Bell’s defense at first base advanced to the point that manager Clint Hurdle left him in when the Pirates had a lead rather than replacing Bell with John Jaso. The Pirates moved Bell from the outfield to first base in 2014, and despite occasional throwing issues, Bell has acquitted himself well defensively. He saved six runs above average this season, according to Baseball Info Solutions.
The award will likely go to Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman and left fielder Cody Bellinger. Bellinger, 21, debuted April 25 and hit 39 home runs with a .352 OBP and .267 average.
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Paul DeJong was the third finalist. DeJong, 24, hit .285/.325/.532 with 25 home runs in 108 games.
The winner will be announced at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 on MLB Network.
Pirates claim reliever
The Pirates claimed lefthander Nik Turley off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on Monday.
Turley, 28, allowed 22 runs, 30 hits and five homers in 17⅔ innings across 10 games for the Twins in his rookie year in 2017.
The New York Yankees originally drafted Turley in the 50th round out of Harvard-Westlake High School in California in 2008.
Runzler outrighted
Left-hander Dan Runzler was sent outright off the 40-man roster and elected free agency. Runzler, 32, spent the whole year with Class AAA Indianapolis before joining the Pirates when rosters expanded in September.
He pitched in the majors for the first time since 2012, allowing four runs, two earned, and seven hits in four innings.
The Pirates have lefthanders Steven Brault, Jack Leathersich and Turley on their 40-man roster in addition to closer Felipe Rivero.