Pitcher Domingo German, designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept. 5, has elected free agency, per Minor League Baseball’s transactions log.

German, whose signing to a minor-league deal by the Pirates in March was controversial given the 32-year-old’s checkered past that featured several suspensions by MLB, was assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis post-designation.

On Tuesday, the right-hander was formally released by the Pirates organization before opting to become a free agent.

German appeared in seven games (two starts) for the Pirates last season after being called up from Triple-A in early August.

He went 0-1 with a 7.84 ERA over 20 2/3 innings, striking out 18 with 13 walks.

The Pirates experimented with German as a starter and in a bullpen role, but they jettisoned him in early September to create a roster spot for lefty Joey Wentz.

German, who spent parts of six seasons with the New York Yankees, threw the 24th perfect game in MLB history on June 28, 2023.

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