Pirates DFA RHP Domingo German, add LHP Joey Wentz to active roster

The Pittsburgh Pirates sent their most controversial signing packing Thursday, when pitcher Domingo German was designated for assignment to make room on the active roster for lefty Joey Wentz.

The Pirates signed German, who pitched the 24th perfect game in major-league history last season, to a $1.5 million contract in March despite his history of suspensions involving alcohol, domestic violence and using an illegal substance while with the New York Yankees.

After spending most of the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, the 32-year-old right-hander was 0-1 with a 7.84 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in 20 2/3 innings over seven appearances, including two starts for the Pirates since being selected from Indianapolis on Aug. 9. He pitched six scoreless innings in a 1-0 loss at the Texas Rangers on Aug. 21 but gave up six earned runs on nine hits and one walk in three innings in the 12-0 loss at the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.

The Pirates activated Wentz, who was claimed off waivers Tuesday from the Detroit Tigers. He was 5-17 with a 5.81 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 70 appearances, including 26 starts, over three seasons in Detroit. The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder converted from starter to reliever last year, and was 0-2 with a 5.37 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 55 1/3 innings over 38 appearances for the Tigers this season.

“Obviously, really excited to be here,” Wentz said. “The last couple days were kind of just wait and see what was going to happen. When I got the call that the Pirates claimed me, just super excited. I’ve played against them three or four times. Just really excited to be a part of the group now.”

Wentz has a four-pitch mix that features a four-seam fastball that sits at 93.8 mph, a cutter that has become his putaway pitch, a changeup with a 42% whiff rate and a curveball. He has increased his cutter usage this season, thanks to an increased spin rate.

“A lot of it’s just about location,” Wentz said. “I think it’s been pretty good to lefties for a swing-and-miss pitch when I need it and when I can place it to righties, it’s good, as well. Overall, just tried to expand my game a little bit. I’ve had some really good moments, I’ve had a couple lopsided innings, so try to keep those hopefully in my rearview. Just work on my pitches and try to get better.”

Wentz arrived just as German was packing his backpack and exchanging farewells with teammates, so he wasn’t sure how the Pirates plan to use him but expects to be ready to pitch whenever called upon.

“I guess, professionally, I’ve kind of pitched every role, leverage, back-end,” Wentz said. “But excited to be here. Going to work hard and do whatever they ask me to do.”