Pirates
Kevin Plawecki Opts Out of Minor-League Contract with Pirates
BRADENTON, Fla. — Veteran catcher Kevin Plawecki will not make the Pittsburgh Pirates’ opening-day roster and has opted out of his minor-league contract.
The Pirates did not immediately announce the news. However, Plawecki’s locker was empty Thursday following the Pirates’ 7-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox in a Grapefruit League game at LECOM Park and an industry source confirmed the move.
Plawecki was signed just before the start of spring training and considered the favorite to be the backup to Austin Hedges. Plawecki, 32, has played in the major leagues for eight seasons.
It now leaves Tyler Heineman and Jason Delay competing to be the No. 2 catcher.
Plawecki went 4 for 17 (.235) this spring with two doubles. Heineman is only 1 for 17 (.059) and Delay has gone 2 for 13 (.154) with one home run.