Domingo

German

Germán went unclaimed after being designated for assignment Thursday. He’ll be org depth for the rest of 2024 and likely looking for a new home in 2025.

Germán was removed from Pittsburgh’s active roster ahead of Thursday’s game against the Nationals to free up a spot for newly-acquired lefty Joey Wentz. The 32-year-old righty struggled to an inflated 7.84 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 18/13 K/BB ratio across 20 2/3 innings (seven appearances, two starts). Regardless of where he winds up, he’s a non-factor for fantasy purposes.

Germán struggled basically from the jump, allowing a run in the first before giving up three runs in the next two frames. The right-hander gave up two homers with one walk and three strikeouts, and his ERA is now 7.84. It’s absolutely insane that this is the player who has the most recent perfect game.

Germán dealt with plenty of traffic on the basepaths as he gave up three hits and also issued four walks over six frames, but still managed to keep Texas’ lineup off the scoreboard. The 32-year-old righty has allowed just two runs on five hits with an 8/7 K/BB ratio across 12 innings (four appearances, one start) since being promoted earlier this month from Triple-A. Despite his recent success, he’s not a recommended fantasy option.

As anticipated, the Pirates promoted the 32-year-old right-hander in advance of the opt-out that he held in his contract for August 9. Germán worked exclusively as a starter at Triple-A Indianapolis — posting a 5.13 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and a 70/34 K/BB ratio over 72 innings in his 13 starts. It’s unclear if the Pirates plan to slot him into their starting rotation or if they’ll utilize him in a long relief role for the time being.

Germán opted out last month, only to rejoin the Pirates after failing to find major league interest. The long-time Yankees hurler will be making his 2024 debut after going 6-4 with a 5.29 ERA and a 66/31 K/BB in 68 innings for Triple-A Indianapolis. We’re guessing he’ll work in middle relief first, but perhaps he could take Luis Ortiz’s rotation spot.

Germán opted out of his deal with Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, but unsurprisingly, didn’t find a robust market after registering a 5.13 ERA over 54 1/3 innings with the Triple-A club. He’ll return to Pittsburgh to provide depth in the minors and nothing more.

The move came after Germán exercised his opt out. The longtime Yankee was 4-4 with a 5.13 ERA and a 52/31 K/BB in 54 1/3 innings for Triple-A Indianapolis, though he was better of late (3.60 ERA in his last six starts). According to FanSided’s Robert Murphy, the Pirates are open to bringing him back if he can’t land a spot on a major league roster.

The Pirates had been talking to the 31-year-old right-hander in mid-February, but the talks never progressed. The club spoke at length to Germán and his wife, the league, Players Association and industry sources before ultimately making the decision to offer him the contract. He’ll earn $1.25 million plus incentives if he makes the big league club. The deal also includes a $2.25 million club option with incentives for the 2025 season. Germán finished the 2023 season on the restricted list after he agreed to voluntarily submit to inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse in August.

Germán posted a since-deleted black-and-gold picture on Instagram and recently followed both the Pirates and Oneil Cruz on the site. Still, according to Mackey and fellow Pirates beat writer Alex Stumpf, there’s nothing brewing right now.