Pilkington fortifies Washington’s organizational relief depth heading into spring training. The 27-year-old southpaw didn’t appear in the majors last year, but has made 16 appearances (11 starts) at the highest level dating back to 2022. He compiled a lackluster 5.91 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 79/49 K/BB ratio across 77 2/3 innings (33 appearances, 21 starts) last year in Arizona’s system at Triple-A Reno.

Pilkington and Hernández are the most notable inclusions among Arizona’s first batch of cuts from spring training. Pilkington will remain with the club as organizational pitching depth, while Hernández continues to serve as emergency catching insurance.

Pilkington predictably passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment last Friday, and will likely stick around with Arizona as extra organizational pitching depth. The 25-year-old left-hander wound up making just one relief appearance this season in the majors after racking up 15 appearances (11 starts) last year for the Guardians.

The 25-year-old left-hander was acquired from the Guardians on May 1. Since then, he has been stationed at Triple-A Reno, where he has registered a cringe-inducing 9.53 ERA, 2.19 WHIP and a 37/33 K/BB ratio over 39 2/3 innings. He could attract interest on waivers.