Jefferies (elbow) and Heller (shoulder) are coming off injuries, while Mattson was a late-season call-up for the Pirates as emergency relief depth. The trio have the ability to elect free agency, but have been removed from Pittsburgh’s 40-man roster heading into the offseason.

Jefferies is likely done for the year after hitting the injured list earlier this month with right elbow inflammation. The procedural move clears a spot on Pittsburgh’s 40-man roster.

It’s never what you want to hear for a pitcher coming off a recent Tommy John surgery. There should be some clarity on his status once he undergoes further testing and evaluation. The 28-year-old righty has made six appearnaces (one start) in the big leagues this season between the Pirates and Giants.

Jefferies had poor results in two starts for the Giants this season and was traded to the Pirates back on May 10th. In five starts for the Pirates in Triple-A, he has a 6.10 ERA and 1.74 WHIP. He doesn’t figure to be used as a traditional starter for the Pirates and should remain off fantasy radars. Justin Bruihl was sent down in a corresponding move.