Domingo Germán is getting a second chance in the big leagues after his career with the New York Yankees ended last year due to behavioral issues.
On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates added the right-handed pitcher’s contract from Triple-A Indianapolis. Germán had a 6-4 record with a 5.29 ERA in 13 starts with the Indians this season.
Germán came in as a relief pitcher for Mitch Keller in the fifth inning against the Dodgers. He allowed two runs and one hit in four innings, struck out three, and walked two.
Last June, Germán pitched the 24th perfect game in major league history. However, two months later, he was placed on MLB’s restricted list after an incident in the Yankees clubhouse involving a confrontation with manager Aaron Boone.
This added to the issues for the 32-year-old Dominican pitcher.
In 2019, Germán was suspended for 81 games by MLB for breaching the league’s domestic violence policy during an incident while drunk with his then-girlfriend, whom he later married.
The Yankees decided to part ways with Germán, leaving his baseball future uncertain.
He signed a minor league contract with the Pirates in March. Now, he will wear number zero after joining the team in Los Angeles for a three-game series with the NL West-leading Dodgers.
Germán is expected to help improve the Pirates’ struggling bullpen.
He has a career record of 31-28 with a 4.41 ERA and 543 strikeouts in 112 games, including 89 starts, all with the Yankees since 2017.
To make room for Germán on the 26-man active roster, pitcher Hunter Stratton was sent to Triple-A. Pitcher Josh Walker was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
