Pirates acquire Bastardo from Mets in deal for Niese

The Pittsburgh Pirates today acquired left-handed pitcher Antonio Bastardo and cash considerations from the New York Mets in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jonathon Niese. The announcement was made by Pirates Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.

The 30-year-old Bastardo, who spent the 2015 season with the Pirates, posted a 4.74 ERA (43.2ip/23er) and 46 strikeouts in 41 relief appearances with the Mets this year. He has produced a 3.21 ERA and has held opposing hitters to a .208 batting average in his last 12 games, dating back to June 27.

Bastardo produced a 4-1 record, 64 strikeouts and a 2.98 ERA (57.1ip/19er) in 66 appearances with the Pirates last season while holding opposing hitters to a .188 average. He went 2-0 with a 2.32 ERA and a .142 batting average against in 34 appearances after the All-Star break.

Niese, 29, went 8-6 with a 4.91 ERA (110.0ip/60er) in 23 games (18 starts) with the Pirates this season after being acquired from the Mets on December 9. After going 7-6 with a 5.13 ERA in 18 starts to begin the 2016 campaign, Niese made his last five appearances from the bullpen, where he went 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA (8.1ip/2er).