The Pirates added another hard-throwing option to their bullpen Thursday by signing right-hander Trey Haley, a minor league free agent, to a one-year major league contract.

Right-hander Guido Knudson, claimed off waivers in November, was released to make room for Haley on the 40-man roster. The Pirates are interested in re-signing Knudson to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Haley, 25, has not pitched in a big-league game but has posted some good numbers in the minors. In 2015, this former second-round pick had a 2.45 ERA in 43 relief appearances at the Class AA and Class AAA levels in the Cleveland Indians organization.

Since switching from starter to reliever after the 2011 season, Haley has emerged as a power arm — his fastball sits in the high 90s (mph) — but has struggled with his command. In his eight-year minor league career, Haley has averaged 8.6 strikeouts and 6.5 walks per nine innings.

Stephen J. Nesbitt: snesbitt@post-gazette.com and Twitter @stephenjnesbitt.

First Published: January 7, 2016, 7:19 p.m.
Updated: January 7, 2016, 10:48 p.m.