Pittsburgh (KDKA)- The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed catcher Matt Pagnozzi off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. To make room for Pagnozzi on the 40-man roster, the club has transferred infielder/outfielder Steve Pearce to the 60-day disabled list.

Pagnozzi spent a majority of the season with Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he hit .275 (49-for-178) with 13 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 29 RBI in 54 games.

He also hit .286 (6-for-21) with a pair of RBI in seven games with the Rockies from June 17 to July 15.

The 28-year-old Pagnozzi was originally selected by St. Louis in the eighth round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft.

Pagnozzi was named the’ “Best Defensive Catcher” in the Cardinals minor league system by Baseball America entering the 2009 season. He also hit .359 (14-for-39) in 15 games for the Cardinals last year.

In 28 career games in the big leagues, he has hit .317 (20-for-63) with two doubles, one home run and 12 RBI.

Pagnozzi is the nephew of former big league catcher Tom Pagnozzi.