Pirates Outright Chris Devenski

The Pirates announced that they have selected the contract of outfielder Ronny Simón. He’ll take the roster spot of designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who has been released. MLBTR covered those moves in earlier posts. The Bucs also reinstated left-hander Evan Sisk from the 15-day injured list, with righty Wilber Dotel optioned in a corresponding move. Additionally, righty Chris Devenski has been activated from the 60-day injured list and outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Devenski, 35, had a brief but unique stint on the Pittsburgh roster. He signed a minor league deal with the club in the offseason and had his contract selected in late April. In his third appearance with the club, he threw a pitch that almost hit Sal Stewart of the Reds, as seen in this video from MLB.com. The umpires decided it was intentional and ejected Devenski. The pitcher later received a three-game suspension from the league.

While suspended, he was placed on the 15-day IL with an undisclosed illness. He was later transferred to the 60-day IL. He started a rehab assignment a couple of weeks ago and was presumably ready to return but the Bucs didn’t have room for him. They just bolstered their bullpen at the deadline by trading for Luke Weaver, Camilo Doval, Kirby Yates and Lake Bachar. With no spot for Devenski, he was put on waivers instead and has apparently cleared.

Devenski has enough service time to reject an outright assignment and elect free agency. The Bucs didn’t indicate whether or not he will do so. He has a solid 3.93 earned run average in his career but his best work was with the Astros about a decade ago. He has a 5.86 ERA since the start of the 2020 season, which has moved him into journeyman territory. He has pitched for the Diamondbacks, Phillies, Angels, Rays, Mets and Pirates since leaving Houston.