Wednesday, 09 January 2013 17:14

Written by Bill Brink

 BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates added to the stable of pitchers who may compete for a rotation spot in spring training Wednesday when they acquired right-hander Jeanmar Gomez from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for minor league outfielder Quincy Latimore.

Gomez, 24, has appeared in the majors in three seasons with the Indians, making his debut in 2010. He pitched in 20 games in 2012, starting 17 of them, and had a 5.96 ERA in 902/3 innings. He struck out 47 batters and walked 34.

In 11 starts for Class AAA Columbus in 2012, Gomez struck out 54 batters in 691/3 innings.

The Indians signed Gomez, a native of Venezuela, in 2005, when Pirates general manager Neal Huntington worked in the Indians' front office.

Gomez could join Zach Stewart, Vin Mazzaro and Andrew Oliver as pitchers competing for the rotation in spring training, though Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson have the inside track. Gomez was placed on the 40-man roster, which is now full.

The trade came as the Pirates continue to speak with the agents for left-handed starter Francisco Liriano, who agreed to terms on a two-year, $12.75 million contract with the Pirates in late December but injured his right arm before the deal became official.

The Pirates originally drafted Latimore, 23, out of high school in the fourth round in 2007. He hit .252 with a .321 on-base percentage and 15 home runs for Class AA Altoona in 2012.