Pirates acquire former first-round pick Biddle from Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz talks with pitcher Jesse Biddle during a spring training baseball workout. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired pitching prospect Jesse Biddle from the Philadelphia Phillies.

The deal, announced Tuesday, sends Biddle to the Pirates in exchange for right-handed pitcher Yoervis Medina.

The 24-year-old Biddle was a first-round pick by the Phillies in the 2010 first-year player draft. Biddle went 9-6 with a 4.95 ERA in 24 combined minor league starts. He underwent reconstructive elbow surgery last October and was designated for assignment by Philadelphia on Jan. 29.

Biddle is 40-45 with a 3.81 ERA and 660 strikeouts in 677 1/3 career innings.

To make room for Biddle on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated right-handed pitcher A.J. Schugel for assignment.

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