Pirates DFA Domingo Germán, Add Joey Wentz to Active Roster

The Pittsburgh Pirates needed to open a spot on the active roster after claiming left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz off waivers from the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.

In a corresponding move, the Pirates have designated right-handed pitcher Domingo Germán for assignment. Wentz will be active on Thursday night against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.

Germán started for the Pirates in their 12-0 loss against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night. He was tagged for seven runs (six earned) across three innings pitched. It was the latest in a stretch of poor outings for the 32-year-old, who posted a 16.62 ERA over his last three outings.

The Pirates originally signed Germán as a minor-league free agent in March and re-upped with him after he exercised an opt-out clause in July. He had his contract selected on Aug. 9 and made seven appearances, including starts in the big leagues. Germán went 0-1 with a 7.84 ERA with 18 strikeouts and 13 walks in 20.2 innings.

Wentz, the 40th-overall pick by the Atlanta Braves in the 2016 draft, has spent parts of the last three seasons pitching in Detroit. The Tigers acquired him from the Braves in a deadline deal in 2019. In 70 career appearances/26 starts, Wentz is 5-17 with a 5.81 ERA with 185 strikeouts in 193.2 innings.

This year with the Tigers, Wentz went 0-2 with a 5.37 ERA in 38 relief appearances. He had been designated for assignment on Aug. 30.