“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with what measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
The Pittsburgh Pirates call up a right-handed pitcher Sunday Germansaid Mike Rodriguez. Alex Stumpf confirmed the report and noted that German had an opt-out clause for his contract that expired on August 9.
German had already opted out of his contract last month, but was unable to find another option on the open market. He re-signed with the Pirates and resumed work as a pitcher for Triple-A Indianapolis. With a 5.29 ERA in 68 innings this year, the numbers overall haven’t been great. Since June 12, however, he has a 4.15 ERA in 47.2 innings, with a K/BB of 47:17.
The ERA has been inflated by some bad outings this year. Since June 12, German has made two starts with four earned runs in five innings. He also allowed five earned runs in seven innings in his last outing. He has more good starts than bad during that time.
That inconsistency has been the theme for German in the major leagues. The other theme has been his disciplinary issues – once for a domestic violence incident in 2019 and again for an altercation in the Yankees’ locker room last season. The Pirates signed him to a minor league contract earlier this year, giving him the opportunity to work his way back to the major leagues.
German will be greeted with a lot of backlash on Twitter from social justice warriors who say his past issues make him forever an incorrigible person. He has made efforts to rehabilitate himself in the past, including checking into rehab after his suspension from the Yankees last season.
As a human being, you can go down two paths. You can condemn people forever for their worst moments. You can also act with sympathy and empathy towards people who have suffered. Few practice the latter. It’s easier to pretend you’re an infallible god. And there are millions of little gods who cause rainstorms and turn everything good on Twitter to rust.
Sympathy and empathy are in short supply in this society. Few experience them in their own lives, creating a cycle in which few offer them to others. These are the most powerful tools a person can use. They are an admission that one understands the complexity of humanity.
I’m glad German gets another chance in the major leagues. I hope it works out for him this time and that he moves forward in his career and life.
Squad changes
The Pirates made some changes to their lineup throughout the system on Thursday.
Colin Holderman was placed on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right wrist. Since July 28, Holderman has a 16.62 ERA in 4.1 innings across five appearances, resulting in four losses.
Ben Heller had his contract purchased by Indianapolis. He made two appearances earlier this season, allowing 11 earned runs in two innings. Heller has spent parts of the previous five seasons in the major leagues, including 18.2 innings last year with the Braves, where he posted a 3.86 ERA.
The Pirates’ designated outfielder Edward Olivares for a call-up to make room on the 40-man roster. They acquired him in an offseason trade in hopes he would retain the power he showed last year with Kansas City. He hit .224/.291/.333 with five home runs for the Pirates before being sent down to Triple-A. In the minors, he hit .250/.317/.339, both of which were below the .263/.317/.452 line he had with the Royals.
Anthony Solometo returned to Altoona after spending nearly two months on the developmental list and pitching in the minor leagues, and pitched 1.2 innings upon his return on Thursday night.
Bubba Chandler has officially been promoted to Indianapolis. The system’s top talent should make his Triple-A debut by the end of this weekend.
Josh Walker was placed on the injured list in Triple-A. The Pirates acquired the left-hander in a small trade at the deadline.
Andres Alvarez And Dylan Shockley were activated from the development list for Indianapolis.
Rehab updates
Jared Jones And Joshua Palacios began rehab duties with Indianapolis on Thursday. Jones pitched 2.2 innings in his first game since July 3. Palacios went 0-for-2 with a walk and played just seven innings.
Pirate Observation Clock
After Jones’ return Michael Burrows threw five scoreless innings for Indianapolis. Michael Kennedy allowed one run in five innings, making him a lower-level gem for Bradenton. Altoona has seen some attacks lately, including six straight games with multiple hits from Sammy Siani. Read all about Thursday’s minor league action in the latest Pirates Prospect Watch:
Pirates Prospect Watch: Jared Jones Returns to the Mound in Indianapolis