Right-hander Domingo German opts out, released by Pirates

Right-hander Domingo German has exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and has been released by the Pittsburgh Pirates .

Signed to a minor league deal, German posted a 4-4 record with a 5.35 ERA in 10 starts for Triple-A Indianapolis. He also allowed one run on three hits in four innings in one start with Single-A Bradenton.

German, who turns 32 on Aug. 4, is just over 13 months removed from tossing a perfect game with the New York Yankees . He was placed on the restricted list Aug. 2 and entered an alcohol treatment program before being granted free agency on Nov. 6. He signed with the Pirates on March 16.

German went 5-7 with a 4.56 ERA in 20 appearances (19 starts) last season. The highlight was the perfect game in Oakland on June 28, 2023.

In May of 2023, German was suspended 10 games and fined by Major League Baseball for violating policies regarding the use of foreign substances.

Overall, German is 31-28 with a 4.41 ERA in 112 appearances (89 starts) since reaching the majors with New York in 2017.

German was 18-4 in 2019 before his season ended in September when MLB placed him on administrative leave after domestic violence allegations. He was suspended for 63 games (making the total 81 for his punishment) in January 2020 and missed the entire COVID-19 shortened season.