LANCASTER -- The Lancaster Barnstormers have signed former Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Yoslan Herrera to a contract for the 2013 season.
Herrera, 31, signed with the Pirates in 2007 after defecting from his native Cuba and was assigned to Class AA Altoona, where he was 6-9 with a 4.69 ERA. The following season, he made his major league debut for Pittsburgh and started five games, going 1-1.
His lone victory came as the result of six shutout innings against San Diego on July 24.
Herrera has not pitched in the the United States since 2010.
"This guy is really interesting," said Lancaster manager Butch Hobson in a statement. "(Former all-star) Tony Oliva recommended him to me in Florida. After four warm-up pitches, he was popping 92-93, then I saw his breaking pitches. He looks really good."
In addition, Lancaster has added infielder Curt Smith, who will represent the Netherlands in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and left-handed pitcher Marlon Arias.
All three players are new to the Atlantic League.
Smith was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008. He signed with the Marlins last year and batted .261 with nine home runs and 48 RBI at Class AA Jacksonville.
Arias, 28, spent five seasons in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization from 2005-09. He had his best year in 2007, winning 12 games for Class A Inland Empire. The native of Bani, Dominican Republic, pitched last season in Mexico, appearing in 14 games for Saltillo and Yucatan.
Some information used in this story was provided by the Lancaster Barnstormers.
