The Pittsburgh Pirates have released veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna amid his disappointing season, a source told ESPN.
Ozuna recorded a .203 batting average with eight home runs, 29 RBIs, and a .613 OPS across 70 games with the Pirates.
In February, the 35-year-old inked a one-year, $12-million deal with Pittsburgh that included a mutual option for 2027. Ozuna spent the previous six seasons with the Atlanta Braves and has also enjoyed spells with the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals.
The three-time All-Star led the National League in home runs and RBIs in 2020 and is a two-time recipient of the Silver Slugger Award.
The Pirates will call up infielder Ronny Simon in a corresponding move. Simon leads the Triple-A International League with a .330 batting average and has also produced 63 RBIs and 33 stolen bases.
