Breaking: Pirates Sign Former Reds Minor-League Pitcher.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed left-handed pitcher Justin Bruihl, who was recently released by the Cincinnati Reds. According to Alex Stumpf, the Pirates’ beat writer for MLB.com, Bruihl’s deal is a major-league contract, and he will join the 26-man roster.
Bruihl was initially signed to a minor-league contract by the Reds prior to their spring training in Goodyear, Arizona. Despite a competitive spring training with numerous other southpaws, Bruihl did not make the Reds’ Opening Day roster. Instead, he was assigned to the Louisville Bats, Cincinnati’s Triple-A affiliate, for the start of the 2024 season.
Before his release, Bruihl had an impressive record at Triple-A, going 4-0 with a 2.31 ERA and a 1.114 WHIP. In nearly 24 innings pitched, he struck out 24 batters and showed consistent performance against both left-handed and right-handed hitters. Lefties hit .212 against him, while righties managed just a .192 average.
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With Bruihl’s departure, the Reds’ bullpen sees a reduction in left-handed relievers. They currently have Sam Moll, Brent Suter, and Justin Wilson in the major league bullpen, with Alex Young in Triple-A. Reiver Sanmartin, also in Triple-A, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is on the 60-day injured list. Other left-handed pitchers in the Reds’ system include Brandon Williamson and Brandon Leibrandt, both of whom are starters, and Evan Kravetz, who has a 2.41 ERA in 15 relief appearances for the Louisville Bats.
The Pirates’ acquisition of Bruihl strengthens their bullpen as they prepare for upcoming games, including matchups against the Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers following a six-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Guardians.
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