The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated left-handed relief pitcher Ryan Borucki for assignment, manager Don Kelly announced before the team’s game on Thursday. This move coincided with the recall of right-handed pitchers Colin Holderman and left-handed pitcher Evan Sisk from Triple-A Indianapolis, while righty Cam Sanders was optioned to the minors. The decision reflects the organization’s intent to adjust their roster in light of Borucki’s ongoing struggles this season.
Borucki’s Difficult 2024 Season Comes After Previous Success
Borucki, 31, has faced a challenging second consecutive campaign with the Pirates after showing promising results in 2023. During that previous season, he posted an impressive 2.45 ERA with a 21.7% strikeout rate and a low 2.6% walk rate over 40 1/3 innings. However, the past two seasons have told a different story as Borucki’s combined ERA ballooned to 7.36 in 2023 and 5.28 this year, spanning approximately 41 2/3 innings. These statistical declines were accompanied by significant injury setbacks, including a lower back injury that sidelined him for over a month and a triceps issue that limited him to just 11 innings in 2024.
Career Overview Highlights Ground Ball Ability Despite Inconsistency
Despite recent troubles, Borucki still holds a 4.38 career ERA across 252 major league innings, striking out nearly 20% of batters faced and walking close to 9%. While these figures do not stand out as exceptional, they remain near league averages. Notably, Borucki’s ground-ball rate is a career strength, recorded at 48.3% overall and rising to 55% in 2025, marking him above the average in this important pitching metric.
Contract Details Affect Borucki’s Waiver Status and Financial Considerations
Borucki’s minor league contract with the Pirates included a guaranteed $1.15 million base salary that activated once he joined the big league roster. Any club claiming him off waivers would assume responsibility for the prorated balance of roughly $272,000 through the end of the season. Since Borucki has over five years of major league service time, he has the option to reject an outright assignment and instead elect free agency while still retaining the remainder of his guaranteed earnings. Given that the trade deadline has passed, a waiver claim is the only likely avenue for his next team.
Pirates Prioritize Youth and Future Roster Flexibility With Borucki’s Departure
The Pirates’ choice to designate Borucki for assignment stems from his inconsistent performance and injury record. His most recent appearance resulted in three runs allowed, continuing a season marked by difficulties when healthy. As Borucki was set to become a free agent after this year, Pittsburgh is instead focusing on developing younger pitchers through additional innings. If another team claims Borucki and takes on the remaining salary, the Pirates benefit financially, but they gain roster flexibility regardless. This move opens the door for new bullpen pieces to emerge as Pittsburgh evaluates its options for the seasons ahead.
“The Pirates have designated left-handed reliever Ryan Borucki for assignment, manager Don Kelly announced to reporters prior to this afternoon’s game.”
“He’d have been a free agent at season’s end, so they’ll instead give his innings to younger arms who can be controlled beyond the current season.”
—Don Kelly, Pirates Manager