Pirates part with former division rival after activating Johan Oviedo

The Pittsburgh Pirates finally have activated Johan Oviedo to make his 2025 debut. The right-hander has spent 2024 and half of 2025 rehabbing his way back from Tommy John surgery. Now that he is officially back and starting tonight against the Giants, Oviedo required a roster spot and, even with three openings on the 40-man, Pittsburgh DFA'd Genesis Cabrera to hand it to him.

The left-hander was recently added after getting released by the Cubs. There was some hope that he could find a groove with the Pirates and get dealt at the MLB trade deadline, but instead he was average at best in a low-leverage role.

He finished his tenure in Pittsburgh with 4.91 ERA, a 4.74 FIP and a 5.73 K/9 across 11 innings. With guys like Dauri Moreta and Ryan Borucki rejoining the bullpen after their IL sints, Cabrera really didn't have a long term-spot in this bullpen. Now it is a waiting game to see if anyone claims him to eat innings for the rest of the year. It is likely he would elect free agency, rather than going to Triple-A, which is exactly what happened when he was sliced by Chicago.

Pirates DFA Genesis Cabrera to make room for Johan Oviedo's 2025 debut.

Getting Oviedo back to this pitching staff is huge. Following 2023, hopes were really high on Oviedo as a strong middle starter for this team. He finished that season with a 4.31 ERA and a 4.49 FIP - hardly terrible for his first full season, setting all the eyes on him for 2024. Unfortunately, his injury happened that offseason, and he has been out ever since.

He has looked good during his rehab assignments, too, posting a 3.12 ERA with a 2.74 FIP and 10.90 K/9. His excellence in the minor leagues gives high hopes for his return, replacing Bailey Falter in the rotation. Trading Falter was bold as is, and it upset a handful of fans, so his replacement needs to be effective to justify the trade.

Oviedo takes the bump against future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. Since he has made six rehab starts, Oviedo shouldn't have a pitch limit, but since the Bucs are out of contention, they may keep him around five innings, regardless of the situation. Keeping the right-hander healthy is key for the Pirates' chances in 2026.