The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed infielder/outfielder Ronny Simón off waivers from the Miami Marlins. To make room for Simón on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated pitcher Tanner Rainey for assignment. Rainey had been with the big club since May 3. The Pirates announced the moves and the immediate assignment of Simón to Triple-A Indianapolis on their transactions page.
Sources: The Pirates have claimed utilityman Ronny Simón off waivers from the Marlins. RHP Tanner Rainey has been designated for assignment to open a spot on the roster
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) June 2, 2025
Pirates Claim Ronny Simón, Designate Tanner Rainey for Assignment
Simón, 25, is a switch-hitter whose major league experience consists of 19 games with the Marlins this season. During that time, he was 11-for-47 with five walks, while seeing action at second base, left field, shortstop, and designated hitter. Despite his brief stay in the big time, he’s managed to lead all National League second basemen with four errors.
However, Simón’s minor league record suggests that Pirates general manager Ben Cherington may have found an offensive weapon to add to the organization. Before the Marlins called him up on April 20, he was 17-for-48 with a home run, nine RBI, and nine bases on balls at Triple-A Jacksonville. He began to find himself as a hitter when he was promoted to Triple-A Durham in 2023 while a member of the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Over three Triple-A seasons beginning in 2023, he’s hit .288/.367/.436, 14 HR, and 77 RBI. He’s had four minor league seasons where he reached double digits in home runs. His minor league record also includes 127 stolen bases in seven seasons. With the Pirates, Simón now joins his fourth organization.
Farewell or Good Riddance?
Both Simón and Rainey leave their respective teams after dismal performances that led directly to stinging defeats. For Simón, there was May 27 in San Diego, when his Marlins scored six runs in the first inning. Unfortunately, the Padres came back with eight runs, two of which were unearned thanks to three errors by Simón, to win, 8-6.
Coincidentally, Rainey’s final act with the Pirates also occurred in San Diego. He took the mound on June 1 in the seventh inning and the Pirates clinging to a 4-2 lead. Rainey then walked three batters and surrendered a single in one-third of an inning. All four runners scored, tagging Rainey with the 6-4 loss. Rainey leaves Pittsburgh having given up nine earned runs, seven hits, and six walks in 7 2/3 innings. We’ll see what lies ahead for the right-handed Rainey, an eight-year major league veteran. He’s tasted success in the majors, but not since 2022, when he saved 12 games and recorded a 3.30 ERA for the Washington Nationals.
In making room for Simón, the Pirates are short a pitcher on the 26-man roster. With Monday being an off day, that spot may not be filled immediately. Could their long-awaited, much-anticipated No. 1 prospect Bubba Chandler be on his way up?
Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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