Blue Jays pick up P Kingham from Pirates


The Toronto Blue Jays acquired pitcher Nick Kingham from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash on Thursday.

The Pirates had designated Kingham for assignment on Saturday.

Kingham, 27, was 1-1 with a 9.87 ERA in 14 appearances (four starts) for the Pirates this season. He allowed 54 hits in 34 2/3 innings, striking out 32 and walking 17.

The right-hander made his major league debut with Pittsburgh last season, when he went 5-7 with a 5.21 ERA in 18 appearances (15 starts).

The Blue Jays transferred right-handed pitcher Ryan Tepera (elbow) to the 60-day injured list to make room for Kingham on the 40-man roster.

Toronto also placed 19-year-old relief pitcher Elvis Luciano on the 10-day injured list Thursday because of a right elbow sprain. The team called up reliever Justin Shafer from Triple-A Buffalo.