Noah Murdock: Everything you need to know

The Pirates signed Murdock to a minor-league contract Nov. 14. Murdock made 14 appearances for the Athletics this past season after being taken in the Rule 5 Draft but was returned to the Royals after posting a 13.24 ERA over 17 innings. The 27-year-old has a 4.55 ERA and 66:39 K:BB across 59.1 frames at the Triple-A level.

Murdock was returned from the Athletics to the Royals on Monday, per MLB's transaction log. Murdock was designated for assignment by the Athletics on Friday, and as a Rule 5 draft pick, he'll return to the Royals' farm system after going unclaimed on waivers. He's been roughed up so far this season in the big leagues, accruing a 13.24 ERA and 2.71 WHIP with a 21:20 K:BB across 17.0 innings.

Murdock was designated for assignment by the Athletics on Friday, Jessica Kleinschmidt of Baseball America reports. The 26-year-old right-hander has been blasted to the tune of a 13.24 ERA and 2.71 WHIP across 17 innings out of the bullpen. Murdock was Rule 5 draft pick during the offseason, so he'll be offered back to the Royals if he passes through waivers unclaimed. With him removed from the 40-man roster, the Athletics recalled Elvis Alvarado from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move.