The Pittsburgh Pirates have been making some interesting moves lately, with several players removed from their 40-man roster. One of the most prominent names to depart was Tucupita Marcano, who was claimed by the San Diego Padres. Additionally, the Pirates traded reliever Cody Bolton to the Mariners for cash considerations. However, it was the placement of lefty reliever Angel Perdomo on waivers that raised some eyebrows.
Angel Perdomo had been having a solid 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates until he was placed on the 60-day Injured List in mid-August. In 2023, Angel Perdomo had a solid performance with 3 wins, 2 losses, and a respectable 3.72 ERA in 30 appearances without any starts. He contributed 8 holds and 3 saves in 29.0 innings, allowing 21 hits, 14 runs, 12 of which were earned, and 3 home runs. He issued 11 walks while striking out 44 batters.
It wasn't until October that he underwent Tommy John Surgery, effectively ruling him out for the entire upcoming season. Given Perdomo's impending arbitration and the uncertainty surrounding his return, it appears the Pirates decided it didn't make financial sense to continue paying his arbitration raises.
It was reported by Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Perdomo underwent Tommy John Surgery this past October. This is likely a big reason as to why he was put on waivers, given his arbitration process and the fact he will miss all of the 2024 season.
The departure of Tucupita Marcano to the San Diego Padres is another move that drew attention. Marcano, a versatile infielder and outfielder, had shown promise during his time with the Pirates. However, as we know in the world of sports, player movements are often part of the game. The Padres saw potential in Marcano and made a claim, which signifies the Pirates' willingness to explore new talent and maintain a flexible roster.
While these roster changes may come as surprises to fans and observers, it's crucial to understand that sports organizations must make difficult decisions to position themselves for success. These moves are part of the Pirates' ongoing strategy to build a competitive team for the future. The team has several players they need to add to the 40-man roster including players from the 60-day Injury list and prospects who will be Rule V eligibile.
The Pittsburgh Pirates moves recently, have included the departure of Tucupita Marcano, the trade of Cody Bolton, and the waiver placement of Angel Perdomo.
These decisions, though unexpected in some cases, reflect the team's commitment to strategic planning and their long-term goals in the world of baseball. As fans, we can anticipate exciting changes on the horizon as the Pirates continue to shape their roster and build a team that will make us proud in the future.