In a recent development, the Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a minor setback with the news that veteran pitcher Domingo German has opted out of his deal, which has sparked Pirates Trade rumors.
The Pirates have released the right-hander Domingo German this week, according to the MLB.com transaction log.
He was playing for the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis.
FanSided Robert Murray reported that German exercised an opt-out clause in his contract, prompting the release.
However, the Bucs remain open to bringing him back, according to Murray, presumably on a new minor league pact.
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The 31-year-old German started ten games in Indy and pitched to a 5.36 ERA, with a 20.6% strikeout rate below average and a 12.6% walk rate.
However, the bulk of German's damage came from a brutal game in which he yielded eight runs(seven earned) in just five frames.
Domingo German in action | YT
Since that ugly outing, he has had a fairly impressive 3.60 ERA in six starts with a handful of strikeouts and walks, striking out 22.7% and 10.9%, respectively.
German spent his entire career pitching for the Yankees. He pitched parts of six seasons in the Bronx, pitching 522 1/3 innings with a 4.41 ERA while working mostly in the starting rotation. He found success in the majors, but his time with the Yankees was also marred by off-field issues.
However, the team's rotation depth and German's MLB history suggest that his departure may be a blessing in disguise for the Bucs.
German was suspended for 81 games in 2020 under the MLB-MLBPA joint domestic violence policy, which meant that he didn't play during the shortened 2020 season.
Before the end of the 2023 season, German was absent due to an incident involving intoxication in a clubhouse.
Following this, he willingly underwent inpatient treatment for alcoholism as announced by the Yankees at the time.
Additionally, in 2023, he faced a 10-game suspension after violating MLB's foreign substance policy on the pitching mound, as determined by an umpire.
The Pirates have a deep rotation, including Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Martin Perez, Quinn Priester, and Marco Gonzales. However, Jared Jones, Bailey Falter, and Johan Oviedoa are currently on the injured list.
Though Falter is dealing with tendinitis in his left triceps, he isn't expected to be out for too long.
Jones was also sidelined for two weeks in early July after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 lat strain.
It's not certain when he'll resume throwing off a mound, let alone return to the big league season.
Oviedo also had Tommy John surgery in the offseason and will be out until 2025.
With righty Luis Ortiz and top prospect Braxton Ashcraft making a strong case for a promotion, especially with Ashcraft in a breakout season between Double-A and Triple-A, it could further limit German's opportunities in the Pirates.
Domingo German's decision to exercise his opt-out clause has sent shockwaves across the MLB.
Though the Pirates trade rumors swirl, one thing is certain: Domingo German's exceptional talent and experience will make him a coveted asset in the MLB.