Pirates Release Controversial Starter After Zero Appearances With Team

The Pittsburgh Pirates have released controversial pitcher Domingo Germán after he exercised an opt-out clause in his contract, despite not making any appearances with the major league team. 

Germán, who signed a minor league deal with the Pirates in March, spent his tenure entirely in the minors. He started with the Bradenton Marauders at Single-A, where he pitched four innings in one start before being promoted to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians in May. 

Over 10 starts at Triple-A, Germán posted a 4-4 record with a 5.36 ERA, striking out 48 batters over 50.1 innings while allowing 30 earned runs and eight home runs.

The Pirates released pitcher Domingo Germán after he exercised an opt-out clause in his contract, but the team remains open to bringing him back.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 17, 2024

Germán's career has been a mix of notable achievements and significant controversies. 

He played seven seasons with the New York Yankees, compiling a 31-28 record and a 4.41 ERA. One of his career highlights was pitching a perfect game in June 2023. 

However, his career has also been marred by multiple suspensions, including an 81-game suspension for domestic violence allegations in 2019 and a 10-game ban in May 2023 for violating MLB's foreign substance policy. 

Domingo German throws a perfect game pic.twitter.com/CR9EwXLm8s

— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) June 29, 2023

His off-field issues have often overshadowed his on-field performance.

Despite his potential and some improvement in his later minor league outings, the Pirates decided to release Germán.

General Manager Ben Cherington had previously expressed confidence in Germán's recovery and potential contribution to the team. 

Although the Pirates are reportedly open to bringing him back, Germán's tenure with the organization ended without him making a single appearance for the major league club.

Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports