Hatch cleared waivers Sunday and was outrighted to Triple-A Omaha.

EDGE Analysis

Hatch was DFA'd by the Royals on Thursday but will remain in the organization. The righty didn't get into a game during his one day on KC's roster and hasn't appeared in an MLB contest since 2023, when he spent time with Pittsburgh and Toronto. Hatch has been working as a starter with Omaha this season and will likely reprise that role now that he's back with the Triple-A club.

The Royals designated Hatch for assignment Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Hatch was selected from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday prior to the first game of a doubleheader against the Cardinals. While the right-hander did not appear in the game, his designation for assignment comes prior to Thursday's second part. In a corresponding move, Cole Ragans (groin) was reinstated from the injured list.

The Royals selected Hatch's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Hatch made 10 starts with Omaha, collecting a 4.59 ERA and 46:19 K:BB over 51 innings. The right-hander will give the Kansas City bullpen some length in what will be his first stint in the big leagues since 2023.

The Royals signed Hatch to a minor-league contract Friday that includes an invitation to spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Hatch pitched for the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan this past season, posting a 3.53 ERA and 64:23 K:BB over 94.1 innings. He has experience both as a starter and reliever and it's not clear what role the Royals have planned for him, but he's likely to begin the year at Triple-A Omaha either way.

Hatch is expected to sign a contract with the Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, Yakyu Cosmopolitan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hatch had been on the Pirates' 40-man roster but evidently was allowed to pursue an opportunity overseas. The 29-year-old right-hander holds a career 4.96 ERA and 61:33 K:BB over 69 innings at the major-league level covering parts of four seasons.

Pittsburgh optioned Hatch to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Kyle Nicolas has been selected from Indianapolis to fill the vacant spot in the Pirates' bullpen. Hatch, 28, carries a 4.08 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB across 28.2 major-league innings this season.

Hatch is listed as the Pirates' opening pitcher for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Hatch will be opening for the Pirates for the second time this season, after he previously tossed three scoreless innings in an Aug. 21 matchup with the Cardinals. Since that time, Hatch has made three relief appearances for the Pirates, the most recent of which was a one-inning outing Wednesday. He should be able to give the Pirates around 2-to-3 innings Saturday before likely giving way to Bailey Falter, whom Hatch opened for back on Aug. 21.

Hatch did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing two hits and one walk over three scoreless innings against St. Louis. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Hatch served as Pittsburgh's opener Monday, after he had exclusively pitched out of the bullpen this year for both the Blue Jays and Pirates. The 28-year-old righty fired three scoreless frames and handed the ball off to Bailey Falter, who operated as the team's bulk reliever. In four appearances since Hatch was claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh on Aug. 6, he has posted a 1.93 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP with two holds across 9.1 innings.

Hatch will start Monday's game against the Cardinals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hatch has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen so far this season and tossed a scoreless inning against the Twins on Saturday, so his appearance Monday will likely be as an opener. Assuming that's the case, Bailey Falter seems like a likely option to operate as the primary pitcher.

Hatch will join the Pirates on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hatch was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays last Friday and claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh on Sunday. The 28-year-old right-hander holds a career 5.40 ERA and 45:26 K:BB in 46.2 major-league innings.