When will he make his debut?
Domingo German could be a candidate to join the Pittsburgh Pirates’ rotation when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend. Mitch Keller, Paul Skenes, and Bailey Falter are currently scheduled to pitch against L.A.
Germán overcomes barriers.
Despite facing numerous obstacles in his short career, including periods of poor performance, injuries, suspensions for domestic violence, and issues with alcohol, German is still pushing forward. His track record is far from ideal, leading many to believe he would face a similar fate to players like Trevor Bauer and Yasiel Puig, who have been “blocked” from MLB due to legal issues off the field and disciplinary matters. Here’s a look at his history:
- On September 19, 2019, German was placed on administrative leave due to allegations of domestic violence. By September of that year, he was ruled out for the remainder of the season and suspended for the entire 2020 season as part of an 81-game suspension handed down by MLB.
- Alcohol problems: Midway through the 2022 season, the New York Yankees announced that German would voluntarily enter a hospital treatment program for alcohol abuse, ending his season and leading to his release during the offseason.
His return to professional baseball.
Though it was believed German would never return to MLB due to his troubled history, the Pittsburgh Pirates unexpectedly offered him a Minor League contract, which he opted out of in early June. However, both parties eventually reconnected.
The 32-year-old right-hander spent his first six seasons in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees and pitched the 24th perfect game in MLB history this past June. He spent most of this season pitching for Triple-A Indianapolis, where he posted a 5.29 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP with 66 strikeouts and 31 walks in 13 starts.
It’s likely that the Pirates will give Domingo German a start, and depending on his performance, they may either keep him or designate him for assignment, as most teams do with veteran players. Notably, over his six-year MLB career, Germán has a 31-28 record with a 4.41 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and 543 strikeouts in 522 1/3 innings.
