Pirates pitcher Domingo German elects free agency

Pitcher Domingo German, designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept. 5, has elected free agency, per Minor League Baseball’s transactions log.

German, whose signing to a minor-league deal by the Pirates in March was controversial given the 32-year-old’s checkered past that featured several suspensions by MLB, was assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis post-designation.

On Tuesday, the right-hander was formally released by the Pirates organization before opting to become a free agent.

German appeared in seven games (two starts) for the Pirates last season after being called up from Triple-A in early August.

He went 0-1 with a 7.84 ERA over 20 2/3 innings, striking out 18 with 13 walks.

The Pirates experimented with German as a starter and in a bullpen role, but they jettisoned him in early September to create a roster spot for lefty Joey Wentz.

German, who spent parts of six seasons with the New York Yankees, threw the 24th perfect game in MLB history on June 28, 2023.