Just a few weeks after the Pirates acquired reliever Camilo Doval, Pittsburgh opted to take care of offseason business a little early and designated him off the 40-man roster. Additionally, two MLB relievers hit the free agent market on September 22.

Doval cut by Pirates

The Pirates designated Camilo Doval for assignment.

Pittsburgh acquired Doval from the Yankees this past August with the idea that the reliever could help an ailing bullpen. His time went nearly as expected, as Doval walked a good amount of batters (13 over 19 IP) but also struck out 23, allowed just one home run, and posted a sub-4.00 ERA.

However, the Pirates have been eliminated from playoff contention. Had the Pirates retained him, Doval would have had one year of team control left.

Releases

Jake Fraley (Rays) and Ryan Ward (Dodgers) were released.

Ward hits the free agent market less than a year after the club protected him from the 40-man roster after a strong 2026 season in Triple-A. However, Ward didn’t have much of a lane for playing time in Los Angeles.

Fraley only got into 31 games with the Rays this season.

Recalls & options

Braxton Roxby (Giants) was recalled from the Minors.

Adam Macko (Rangers) and Max Schuemann (Yankees) were optioned.

Other notes

Rockies infielder Vimael Machin was outrighted to the ACL.

The Astros sent outfielder Jorge Barrosa outright to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Reds outfielder TJ Friedl was sent outright to Triple-A Louisville.

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