Pirates Make Roster Moves: New Outfielder Arrives, Catcher Returns, Another Departs

What Happened in Simple Terms

The Pittsburgh Pirates made three big roster moves all at once. Think of it like a game of musical chairs — when one player comes in, another has to leave to make room.

Here are the three moves:

1. Johnathan Rodríguez (outfielder) joins the Pirates from the Baltimore Orioles
2. Endy Rodríguez (catcher) comes back from the injured list
3. Shawn Ross (catcher) is designated for assignment (DFA) — more on what that means below

Breaking Down Each Move

1. Johnathan Rodríguez Arrives from Baltimore

Important: The Pirates only gave up cash considerations (money) to get him — no players were traded away.

• Who he is: A 26-year-old outfielder
• MLB experience: 3 seasons, but only 132 plate appearances (that’s not very many!)
• MLB stats so far: .177 batting average, .288 on-base percentage, .301 slugging percentage — these are below-average numbers
• Minor league stats: Much better! .295/.386/.508 in 1,337 plate appearances at Triple-A over 4 seasons
• Current status: Optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis — he’ll start in the minors

What "optioned" means: The Pirates can send him up and down between the majors and minors without losing him to another team. He has "options" remaining this year.

2. Endy Rodríguez Returns from Injury

• Position: Catcher
• Was on: The 10-day injured list (IL)
• Now: Back on the active roster
• Completed: A rehab assignment (a few practice games in the minors) to prove he’s healthy

3. Shawn Ross Is Designated for Assignment (DFA)

Important: DFA doesn’t mean he’s gone forever — it’s a process with several steps.

• Why: The Pirates needed two roster spots:
  1. One active roster spot for Endy Rodríguez
  2. One 40-man roster spot for Johnathan Rodríguez
• Ross’s time with Pirates: Only 2 games, but he hit a home run in his only start!
• His profile: Undrafted free agent, extreme approach — lots of home runs, walks, AND strikeouts
• Minor league stats this year: 10 HR, 17.1% walk rate, but 37.3% strikeout rate (very high)
• What happens next: He enters "DFA limbo" for up to a week

The DFA Process Explained (Step by Step)

1. Player is designated — removed from 40-man roster immediately
2. 48-hour waiver period — Other teams can claim him
3. If claimed: New team gets him (and his contract)
4. If unclaimed: Pirates have options:
   • Trade him (within the week)
   • Outright him to minors (he stays in organization)
   • Release him
5. Ross’s situation: Since this is his first time on a big league roster, he has less than 3 years service time and has never been outrighted before — so if he clears waivers, he cannot choose free agency. He’d have to accept a minor league assignment.

Why the Pirates Made These Moves

The Outfield Puzzle

With star Oneil Cruz injured, the Pirates’ current outfield is:

• Jake Mangum
• Bryan Reynolds
• Esmerlyn Valdéz

Coming soon: Spencer Horwitz (first baseman) returns from IL → could push Ryan O’Hearn to outfield

Depth now includes: Johnathan Rodríguez + Jhostynxon García (both optionable, both in Triple-A)

The Catching Situation

• Henry Davis + Endy Rodríguez = The everyday catching duo
• Shawn Ross was only a temporary fill-in while Rafael Flores was injured
• Ross’s high strikeout rate (37.3% in minors) makes him unlikely to succeed long-term in MLB
  • For comparison: Kyle Schwarber leads qualified MLB hitters at 34.3% K-rate

Scouting Report on Johnathan Rodríguez

The Good:

• Crushes Triple-A pitching (.508 slugging!)
• Left-handed bat adds balance
• Team control for years (options remaining)

The Concern:

• Struggles with spin (breaking balls, off-speed pitches)
• In MLB, pitchers have better command of secondary pitches
• Minor leaguers often can’t locate off-speed stuff consistently — big leaguers can

Pirates’ thinking: Low-risk, high-reward. Cost only cash. Can evaluate him up close in Indianapolis. If he figures out spin, great. If not, minimal loss.

Summary

The Pirates shuffled their roster to:
Add outfield depth (Johnathan Rodríguez)
Get their catcher back (Endy Rodríguez)
Remove a player who didn’t fit long-term plans (Shawn Ross)

Johnathan Rodríguez goes to Triple-A to work on hitting spin. Endy Rodríguez joins Henry Davis behind the plate. Shawn Ross faces the waiver wire — but his memorable home run will stay in the record books.

FAQ

1. What does "optioned to Triple-A" mean?

It means the Pirates can send Johnathan Rodríguez between the majors and minors freely this season without other teams being able to claim him. He’s on the 40-man roster but not the active 26-man roster.

2. What are "cash considerations"?

Instead of trading a player, the Pirates sent money to the Orioles. This is common for players with limited MLB track records.

3. Why was Shawn Ross DFA’d instead of optioned?

The Pirates needed his 40-man roster spot for Johnathan Rodríguez. If they just optioned Ross, he’d still take up a 40-man spot. DFA removes him from the 40-man immediately.

4. Can the Pirates get Shawn Ross back?

Yes! If he clears waivers (no other team claims him in 48 hours), the Pirates can outright him to Triple-A. Since he has less than 3 years service time and never been outrighted, he must accept the assignment.

5. Is Johnathan Rodríguez the same person as Endy Rodríguez?

No! Different players, same last name. Johnathan is an outfielder (26). Endy is a catcher (returning from injury).