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Pirates Starting Pitcher DFA’d for Second Time This Season

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated starting pitcher Jake Woodford for assignment for the second time this season. The 27-year-old veteran has struggled with the Pirates this season, with a -1.3 WAR, a record of 0-6, and an ERA of 7.97. The St. Louis Cardinals originally drafted him in 2015. The Pirates selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Isaac Mattson to the MLB roster in a corresponding move to Woodford’s DFA.

Pirates DFA Veteran Starter Jake Woodford for Second Time in 2024

Pirates fans are speculating why the Pirates utilized Woodford late in September with his far-from-impressive numbers. At this point in his career, the assumption was that he would elect for free agency with no intention of signing back with the Pirates. Woodford has turned into the 2024 version of former Pirates pitcher Montana DuRapau, who had an inflated 9.35 ERA in his only year with the club in 2019. Through four starts for the Pirates, Woodford sported a poor record of 0-4 with a disappointing ERA of 6.95.

Following these unfavorable numbers, Woodford was DFA’d on August 26th. Then, on Wednesday, the Pirates selected Woodford’s contract from Triple-A Indianapolis. Now, he’s been designated once again. St. Louis Cardinals power hitter Brendan Donovan took Woodford for a ride on Wednesday, crushing a home run against him for his 13th long ball of the season. He gave up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings, although he did record five strikeouts. This season for the Pirates is now the fifth year of their rebuild. After his bad start for a last-place team and his subsequent DFA, it appears Woodford won’t be part of the Pirates next season. Back in 2023, when Woodford played for the Cardinals, his numbers were a bit better, and he had a solid two-seam fastball that went as high as 93 mph. Whoever signs him next will hope he returns to form.

 

Photo Credit: © Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

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