Twins acquire RHP Justin Lawrence from Pirates in cash deal

Field Level Media|published: Mon 1st June, 23:12 2026

Apr 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Justin Lawrence (61) is patted on the shoulder in the dugout after giving up four runs during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

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

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