Twins acquire RHP Justin Lawrence from Pirates in cash deal

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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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 8:10 PM.