LOS ANGELES – Domingo Germán is getting a second chance in the big leagues, a year after opting out of the New York Yankees due to behavioral issues.
The Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday selected the right-handed pitcher’s contract from Triple-A Indianapolis. Germán had a 6-4 record with a 5.29 ERA in 13 starts for the Indians this season.
Germán relieved starter Mitch Keller in the fifth inning against the Dodgers. He gave up two runs and one hit in four innings, struck out three and walked two.
Last June, Germán threw the 24th perfect game in major league history. Two months later, he was placed on the MLB restricted list following an incident in the Yankees clubhouse that allegedly involved a confrontation with manager Aaron Boone.
It was another blow against the 32-year-old Dominican pitcher.
In 2019, Germán was suspended 81 games by MLB for violating the league’s domestic violence policy during an incident while intoxicated involving his then-girlfriend, whom he later married.
The Yankees cut ties with Germán, leaving his baseball future in doubt.
He signed a minor league contract with the Pirates in March. Now, he will wear the number zero after joining the team in Los Angeles ahead of a three-game series with the NL West-leading Dodgers.
Germán will be counted on to bolster the Pirates’ bullpen.
He is 31-28 with a 4.41 ERA and 543 strikeouts in 112 appearances, including 89 starts, in his big league career, all of it spent with the Yankees, beginning in 2017.
Pitcher Hunter Stratton was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Germán on the 26-man active roster. Pitcher Josh Walker was designated to make room on the 40-man roster.
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