Just In: “Massive Boost” as Pirates GM Ben Cherington Announces Major Signing
Pirates secure newly released Reds minor-league pitcher It’s always disappointing to see a former player join a rival team.
A Cincinnati Reds minor league pitcher has made the move to an NL Central competitor this week, as the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed reliever Justin Bruihl. According to Alex Stumpf, the Pirates’ MLB.com beat writer, Bruihl’s agreement is for a major league contract, and he is set to join the 26-man roster.
Earlier this spring, Bruihl was added to the Reds on a minor league deal before the team’s time in Goodyear, Arizona. As a left-hander, he faced stiff competition from numerous southpaws during spring training.
Although Bruihl did not make the final cut for the Reds, his performance was strong enough to earn a spot on the Louisville Bats roster. Consequently, he has been assigned to the Cincinnati Triple-A affiliate for the start of the 2024 season.
Pirates ink recently released Reds minor-league pitcher
Justin Bruihl Bruihl, who was released by the Reds this week, boasted a solid performance record with a 4-0 record, a 2.31 ERA, and a 1.114 WHIP. Across nearly 24 innings pitched, he tallied 24 strikeouts. Notably, Bruihl’s pitching stats showed consistency regardless of the hitters he faced – left-handed or right-handed. Left-handed batters hit .212/.357/.212 against him in 33 at-bats at Triple-A this season, while right-handed hitters managed only a .192 average and a .589 OPS against him.
The Reds will now have fewer left-handed pitchers in their system following Bruihl’s departure. Despite sending Graham Ashcraft to the minors earlier in the week, Cincinnati’s bullpen still includes three left-handed relievers: Sam Moll, Brent Suter, and Justin Wilson. Additionally, Alex Young remains with the Triple-A affiliate.
LHP Justin Bruihl has been added to the Pirates 26-man roster as a Major League free agent. The Pirates will make a corresponding move this afternoon.
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) June 6, 2024
