MLB Offseason Round-Up: Pirates Rotation Suffers Blow, Rodriguez Works Out For Two Teams

Danny Demilio |

Nov 26, 2023

Yariel Rodriguez, Pittsburgh Pirates, MLB offseason — Pitcher Yariel Rodriguez of Cuba reacts during the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game between Cuba and Australia at the Tokyo Dome Tokyo, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Toru Hanai)

This is one in a series of daily articles highlighting the latest news and notes from the MLB offseason.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting rotation suffered a major blow as it was reported by reporter Francys Romero that Johan Oviedo will require Tommy John surgery on an ailing elbow. The procedure is expected to take place in the coming days.

Oviedo was a key component in the Pirates’ rotation in 2023. The right-hander was tied for the team lead with 32 starts this past season. He finished the year 9-14 with a 4.31 ERA and threw a complete game shutout.

The Pirates, who have already been seeking multiple rotation additions this MLB offseason, may need even more help. General manager Ben Cherington has plenty of work to do.

Yariel Rodriguez Works Out For Two Teams

Free agent right-hander Yariel Rodriguez held a workout with the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox in attendance, according to Romero.

The Cuban-native had been pitching in the NPB in Japan before he was declared a free agent at the beginning of the month. He took the ball for Team Cuba in this year’s World Baseball Classic where he impressed in his 7.1 innings of work.

Boston and San Diego are two of the many teams around the league that have been seeking starting pitching help this winter.