The Pittsburgh Pirates signed free agent pitcher Jordan Lyles on Monday to a one-year deal for the 2019 season. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.  
The 28-year-old righthander has pitched eight seasons in the big leagues with Houston (2011-2013), Colorado (2014-2017), San Diego (2017-2018) and Milwaukee (2018). 
 
"We are pleased to add Jordan Lyles to our Major League pitching staff," said Huntington. "Jordan has always had a quality pitch arsenal, and given his success after adjusting how he used his pitches during the 2018 season, he will have a legitimate opportunity to earn a spot in our rotation in 2019. We look forward to helping Jordan continue to bridge the gap between potential and performance" 
 
Lyles threw his four-seam fastball a total of 34 percent in 2018 vs. 29 percent in 2017. He also threw his curveball nine percent more in 2018 (29%) vs. 2017 (20%) while registering his highest swing-and-miss rate using any pitch in his arsenal at 29 percent. He also increased his chase percentage from 25 percent in 2017 to 37 percent in 2018 with the curveball (among his 84 strikeouts in all of 2018, 45 came using his curveball).   
 
During the 2018 season, Lyles went a combined 3-4 with a 4.11 ERA (87.2ip/40er) and 84 strikeouts in 35 appearances (eight starts) between the Padres and Brewers. He began the season with San Diego before being claimed off waivers on August 5 by Milwaukee, where he posted a 3.31 ERA (16.1ip/6er) in 11 relief appearances. Lyles also averaged 9.74 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched (44 strikeouts in 40.2 innings) in 27 total appearances out of the bullpen this past season.  
 
Lyles, who was originally drafted by Houston 38th overall in the supplemental first round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, has compiled a career record of 24-6 with a 4.28 ERA (313.1ip/149er) in 53 career starts when he receives three runs of support or more in a start.