The Departure of Domingo Germán: A Look Back at His Time with the Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a significant move on Thursday by designating Domingo Germán for assignment. Germán, who pitched a perfect game last year, was let go by the team after a poor performance in which he allowed seven runs — six earned — and seven hits over three innings. This move signals a potential end to Germán’s time with the club, as he struggled this season with an ERA of 7.84 in seven games for the Pirates.

Domingo Germán’s career has been marked by both highs and lows. While he pitched a perfect game and has a record of 31-29 with a 4.54 ERA in seven major league seasons, he also faced significant off-field issues. Germán was suspended for 81 games in 2020 for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy and was later ejected from a game for using a banned substance. Despite his achievements on the field, Germán’s behavior off the field has raised questions about his future in baseball.

After electing free agency following the season, Germán signed a minor league contract with the Pirates in mid-March. This move was seen as a chance for Germán to redeem himself and prove that he could still be a valuable asset to a major league team. However, his recent struggles with the Pirates have cast doubt on his ability to perform at a high level.

Left-hander Joey Wentz took Germán’s roster spot after being claimed off waivers from Detroit. Wentz expressed his excitement about joining the Pirates and being a part of the team. In his debut with the Pirates, Wentz came on in relief during a 9-4 win over the Nationals, allowing one run in one-third of an inning. This change in the roster reflects the Pirates’ commitment to rebuilding and finding new talent to improve their team.

Domingo Germán’s departure from the Pittsburgh Pirates marks the end of a chapter in his career. Despite his past achievements, Germán’s issues on and off the field have ultimately led to his designation for assignment. As the Pirates move forward with new talent like Joey Wentz, Germán’s legacy with the team will be remembered for both his successes and challenges.