Dotel, 36, spent the 2009 season with the Chicago White Sox and went 3-3 with a 3.32 ERA (62.1ip/23er) and 75
strikeouts in 62 relief appearances. In addition, he ranked eighth among American League relief pitchers in strikeouts per
9.0ip (10.83) and held right-handed hitters to a .226 batting average.
“Octavio Dotel is an experienced, solid, late-inning reliever with quality pitches who will help solidify our bullpen in the closer
role,” said Pirates GM Neal nHuntington.
Dotel made his Major League debut with the Mets in 1999 after being signed by New York as a non-drafted free agent on
3/20/93. In his 11 big league seasons, he has also pitched with the Astros (2000-04), Athletics (2004-05), Yankees (2006),
Royals (2007), Braves (2007) and White Sox (2008-09).
Since the start of the 2000 season, Dotel has recorded the most strikeouts (745) among all Major League relief pitchers.
He also owns a 3.11 ERA (579.1ip/200er) in his 528 career relief appearances and has held opposing hitters to a .218
batting average, which includes a .207 career mark by righthanders. In 2000, he became the first pitcher in National League
history to record at least 15 saves and make at least 15 starts in the same season.
To make room for Dotel on the 40-man roster, the club has designated right-handed pitcher Anthony Claggett for
assignment.