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10h ago

Pirates Release Marcell Ozuna and Call Up Ronny Simon

This roster move frees a spot after the trade deadline to give a young Triple-A hitter a chance with the big-league club.

Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (24) hits an RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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Marcell Ozuna's stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates has reportedly come to an end before completing a full season.

Overview

  • The Pirates released designated hitter Marcell Ozuna on Wednesday, ending his one-year stay after he hit .203 with a .612 OPS in 70 games.
  • Pittsburgh promoted outfielder and utility player Ronny Simon from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill Ozuna’s roster spot after Simon led the International League with a .330 average and an .889 OPS.
  • The team will absorb Ozuna’s roughly $12 million salary and will not exercise the reported mutual option tied to his deal for 2027.
  • The move follows the MLB trade deadline and is being framed as a roster-clearing decision driven by Ozuna’s lack of production and limited defensive value as a DH.
  • Ozuna, a 14-year veteran and former All-Star with strong years in Atlanta, becomes a free agent while the promotion of Simon gives the Pirates a versatile, high-contact bat to evaluate down the stretch.