New Zealand Diamondblacks pitcher John Holdzkom has been released from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The right-hander was cut from the Major League side after clearing waivers and is now a free agent.
Holdzkom signed for the Pirates in 2014 and was promoted to the majors that September where he starred for the team as a relief pitcher and struck out a total of 14 batters in his nine combined innings.
Despite a promising end to the 2014 season, Holdzkom spent the following season in the minors where he dealt with niggling shoulder injuries.
Coming into spring training this year the Pirates had further concerns about Holdzkom's health because of a loss of velocity in his pitching.
Pirates manager Clinton Hurdle said the team will continue to "root for him" and wished Holdzkom all the best in the future.
"He caught lightning in a bottle in 2014," said Hurdle.
"We gave him the ball in the seventh inning of a pennant race. Pretty impressive stuff. He doesn't need to get all the way back [to where he was] to be a productive major league pitcher, I don't think."
It's unclear yet whether Holdzkom will return to Pittsburgh on a minor league deal or seek a new challenge.
Newshub.
