Pirates make surprising decision on Camilo Doval

The Pittsburgh Pirates were buyers at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, adding several relievers in an attempt to make a playoff push. One of those relievers has been jettisoned from the roster.

The Pirates announced on Tuesday that they have designated reliever Camilo Doval for assignment. His roster spot is being taken by fellow trade deadline acquisition Kirby Yates, who has been activated from the injured list.

The Pirates paid a decent price to acquire Doval from the Yankees, sending catching prospect Omar Alfonso and minor league outfielder Luis Cruz for his services. Alfonso had been the Pirates 17th-ranked prospect at the time of the trade.

Pittsburgh Pirates DFA could benefit Camilo Doval

Doval had struggled with the Yankees since being acquired at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. He posted a 4.63 ERA and a 1.474 WHIP over his 58.1 innings, striking out 61 batters with 29 walks. However, his strong showing with the Giants made him an intriguing change-of-scenery candidate.

On the surface, Doval had bounced back to a degree with the Pirates, posting a 3.79 ERA over his 19 innings in Pittsburgh. However, that performance came with a 1.737 WHIP while Doval struck out 23 batters and allowed 14 walks.

Although Doval is under team control through 2027, his peripheral numbers may be why the Pirates were willing to move on. As Doval has more than five years of service time, he can reject an assignment to the minors while retaining the rest of his salary for 2026. 

Entering free agency early could benefit Doval. He has had periods of sustained success and has impressive stuff despite his questionable command. A team looking to shore up the bullpen for 2027 could be willing to add Doval for the last few games of the season with an eye to keeping him for next year.