Pirates News: Termarr Johnson injury, Ji Hwan Bae signs with rival, Dennis Santana

Pittsburgh Pirates second base prospect Termarr Johnson suffered a left knee injury Saturday and is undergoing further testing to determine the severity.

Johnson exited Triple-A Indianapolis’ game against Iowa in the fourth inning after falling awkwardly while running out a ground ball to first base. The 22-year-old immediately grabbed his left leg and was eventually taken off the field on a cart with an air cast on his leg.

The injury could bring a premature end to what has been a difficult season for Pittsburgh’s 2022 first-round pick, who ranks as the organization's No. 10 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. In his first year at Triple-A, Johnson has batted .199/.336/.319 with 14 doubles, one triple, eight home runs and 37 RBI across 96 games. He has also stolen a career-high 24 bases.

Johnson’s status carries added significance because he will be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this offseason, forcing the Pirates to decide whether to protect him by adding him to their 40-man roster.

Former Pirates prospect Ji Hwan Bae joins first-place Brewers in NL Central playoff push

Former Pirates prospect Ji Hwan Bae has landed with a National League Central rival, joining the Milwaukee Brewers as they scramble to overcome a sudden rash of infield injuries.

Milwaukee signed Bae to a minor league contract and immediately added him to its major league roster after shortstop Cooper Pratt landed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. Third baseman Joey Ortiz is also dealing with neck discomfort, leaving the first-place Brewers searching for healthy infield options.

Bae wasted little time making an impact, contributing a bunt single and later a sacrifice bunt in Milwaukee’s 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins.

The 27-year-old spent parts of four seasons with Pittsburgh before the Mets claimed him off waivers from Pittsburgh in November 2025. Once a regular on the Pirates’ top-30 prospect lists — peaking at No. 11 in MLB Pipeline’s rankings — Bae never established himself as an everyday major leaguer in Pittsburgh.

Bae owns a career .223 batting average and .587 OPS in 514 major league plate appearances, but his speed and defensive versatility could give Milwaukee useful short-term depth while its regular infielders recover.

Dennis Santana lands minor league deal with Arizona after Pirates DFA

Former Pirates reliever Dennis Santana has found a new home, signing a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks after Pittsburgh designated him for assignment in late July.

Santana entered 2026 as the Pirates’ presumed closer after recording a career-high 16 saves and a 2.18 ERA last season. His grip on the ninth inning disappeared quickly, however, as he struggled badly through the first half and was eventually pushed into lower-leverage work.

The 30-year-old posted a 6.05 ERA over 41.2 innings with Pittsburgh this season, striking out just 19.9% of opposing hitters while walking 11.3%. His fastball velocity also dipped to a career-low 94.1 mph.

Pittsburgh acquired Santana off waivers from the Yankees during the 2024 season, and he initially became one of the bullpen’s most reliable arms. He posted a 2.44 ERA in 39 appearances that year before serving as a setup man and later closer in 2025.

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