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Twins acquire RHP Justin Lawrence from Pirates in cash deal

By Thomson Reuters Jun 1, 2026 | 10:20 PM

Right-hander Justin Lawrence, designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, was ​traded to the Minnesota ‌Twins in a cash transaction on Monday.

Lawrence, 31, went 0-2 with a 5.32 ERA in 23 ‌relief ​appearances for Pittsburgh ⁠this year. He ⁠struck out 25 and walked 12 in 22 innings.

He pitched four seasons for the ​Colorado Rockies (2021-24) before the Pirates claimed him off waivers ⁠in March 2025.

In ⁠222 major league appearances, ​all in relief, Lawrence owns ​a 13-14 record, 14 saves ‌and a 5.05 ERA. He has 236 strikeouts and 130 walks in 233 2/3 ⁠innings.

The Twins announced that they would clear a spot for Lawrence on ⁠the ‌active roster by making ⁠a transaction ahead of ​their ‌Tuesday home game against ​the White ⁠Sox. Minnesota snapped a five-game losing streak with a 9-6 win over Chicago in the series opener on Monday.

–Field ​Level Media