In a shocking turn of events, the Pittsburgh Pirates have officially parted ways with veteran reliever Ryan Borucki, marking a significant moment in the team’s ongoing roster reshuffling. This move, confirmed by the MLB.com transaction log, comes on the heels of the Pirates designating Borucki for assignment just days prior, a decision that many anticipated given the circumstances surrounding his performance and health.
Borucki, who boasts over five years of Major League service time, had the contractual right to decline a minor league assignment, making his release a mere formality rather than a surprise. If no other team claims him off waivers, he will enter free agency, leaving the Pirates responsible for the remainder of his $1.15 million salary. Any team that picks him up would only need to pay the prorated league minimum of $760,000 if he finds his way back to the MLB before the season concludes.
The clock is ticking for Borucki, as players must be affiliated with an organization by September 1 to qualify for postseason play. While it may seem unlikely for the 31-year-old to secure a spot on a playoff roster, he could still be a valuable asset for teams in need of left-handed relief depth. Despite his current struggles, highlighted by a 5.28 earned run average over 30 2/3 innings, his underlying statistics reveal a more promising narrative. With a remarkable ground ball rate of 55%, Borucki’s potential to induce weak contact remains intact, even as his strikeout and walk rates hover slightly below league average.
Recently, Borucki returned to action following a six-week stint on the injured list due to a lower back issue. He showcased flashes of his former self by delivering five consecutive scoreless outings. However, his performance took a downturn when he surrendered three runs in just one inning during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. This unfortunate outing likely sealed his fate, leading the Pirates to promote rookie lefty Evan Sisk to take over his role in the bullpen.
Sisk, a 28-year-old newcomer, may not have the most impressive ceiling, but the Pirates evidently see enough potential in him to prioritize his development over Borucki, who is set to become a free agent at the season’s end. As the Pirates look to reshape their roster for the final stretch of the season, it’s clear they are keen on evaluating new talent rather than holding onto a struggling veteran. The coming weeks will be critical for Borucki as he seeks to latch onto a new team and prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
