The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected Tiger prospect and shortstop Gustavo Nunez in the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft on Thursday. The Tigers did not make a selection in the draft. I had mentioned Nunez as one possibility that the Tigers might add to their roster in each of the past two years, but he was left unprotected and now has been claimed by Pittsburgh. The Tigers will receive $ 50,000.00 and the Pirates will have to keep Nunez on their major league roster for the duration of the season, or they will have to offer him back to Detroit before sending him down to the minor leagues. Nunez was thought to be one of the Tigers' top infield prospects, and is said to have a major league ready glove, a plus arm for the infield, and plus speed on the bases. His hitting has been sporadic in the minor leagues.
Following are the results of today's rule 5 draft:
- Astros take Rhiner Cruz from Mets.
- Twins take Terry Doyle from White Sox.
- Mariners take Lucas Luetge from Brewers.
- Orioles take Ryan Flaherty from Cubs.
- Royals take Cesar Cabral from Red Sox; traded to Yankees for cash.
- Cubs take Lendy Castillo from Phillies.
- Padres
- Pirates take Gustavo Nunez from Tigers.
- Marlins
- Rockies
- Athletics
- Mets
- White Sox
- Reds
- Indians
- Nationals
- Blue Jays
- Dodgers
- Angels
- Giants
- Braves take Robert Fish from Angels.
- Cardinals take Erik Komatsu from Nationals.
- Red Sox take Marwin Gonzalez from Cubs, traded to Astros for Marco Duarte
- Rays
- Diamondbacks take Brett Lorin from Pirates.
- Tigers
- Brewers
- Rangers
- Yankees take Brad Meyers from Nationals.
- Phillies