Pirates release Marcell Ozuna, promote Ronny Simon from Triple-A
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 7:09 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates are releasing designated hitter Marcell Ozuna as they pursue a playoff spot. The decision comes ahead of an important stretch, with Pittsburgh 3 1/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the National League's third wild-card position. Ozuna, who struggled during his time with the Pirates, will be replaced on the roster by outfielder Ronny Simon, who is being promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis. The team hopes this move will help improve their lineup as the season progresses.
- •Pirates are 3 1/2 games behind Arizona in the wild-card race.
- •Ozuna hit.203 with 8 home runs and 29 RBIs in 70 games.
- •Ronny Simon is being promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis.
- •Ozuna signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Pirates in February.
- •The Pirates made recent trades to bolster their bullpen.
- 7:09 PMYahoo Sports — Pirates to release Marcell Ozuna, promote Ronny Simon for roster spot, AP source says
"The Pittsburgh Pirates are cutting ties with veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna as they gear up for a playoff push. The Pirates, who entered Wednesday 3 1/2 games behind Arizona for the National League's third wild-card spot, are planning to promote outfielder Ronny Simon from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Ozuna's roster spot. Pittsburgh signed Ozuna to a one-year deal worth $12 million in February, a rare free agency splurge for the budget-conscious Pirates.
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