In a 12-year professional career, Pickrel played two seasons as a Major League Baseball pitcher: in 1933 with the Philadelphia Phillies; and in 1934 with the Boston Braves.

[1] In 1931, Pickrel began his professional baseball career pitching for the A-level Durham Bulls in North Carolina; his 12 wins and 14 losses were the second-highest totals on the team in both categories.

[5] Pickrel also appeared in nine contests for the Philadelphia Phillies, making his major league debut with a scoreless inning on April 22, when he allowed two baserunners via a hit and a walk.

[9] In April 1934, Pickrel opened that season with the Braves, pitching three scoreless innings against the Brooklyn Dodgers, walking one batter and striking out two.

[14] After allowing lone runs to the Cincinnati Reds and the Giants, Pickrel posted three consecutive scoreless appearances before completing his Boston tenure with a one-inning, one-run contest against the Cardinals on June 12.

[22] Pickrel's final season was 1941, and he played for the Petersburg Rebels of the Virginia League, where he collected a .250 winning percentage by earning one victory and three defeats; he posted a 4.50 ERA in 40 innings.