Multiple sources report the Pirates have released Marcell Ozuna after the former Cardinals and Braves slugger signed a $12 million contract prior to the season. Ozuna hit just .203 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in seventy games as a Buc.
Ronny Simon, who leads the International League with a .330 batting average, has been recalled from Indianapolis. Simon has seven homers and 63 RBIs and has stolen 33 bases in 99 games for the Indians in 2026.
The Pirates claimed Simon off waivers from the Marlins last season but he barely had a chance to play, appearing in just eight games before suffering a season-ending dislocated shoulder in a home-plate collision on August 29th. He had offseason surgery and was non-tendered by the Pirates and re-signed with them on a minor league deal in the offseason.
