BRADENTON, Fla. — Outfielder Bryce Brentz, acquired from the Red Sox last month, confirmed to reporters Sunday morning that he has been placed on outright waivers.
Brentz, 29, was in competition for the Pirates' final bench spot, but he struggled at the plate for much of the spring and is out of minor-league options. Now, the club will decide whether to keep Jose Osuna as a final bench player or to keep an eighth pitcher in the bullpen for opening day.
Brentz, who led the International League with 31 home runs last season, batted .250/.362/.350 with one home run and three RBIs this spring, but he missed time because of a shoulder injury. The right-handed hitter went 2 for 3 with a double and a walk in the Pirates' 8-2 loss to the Phillies at LECOM Park on Friday.
"When I finally saw ‘em, I’m going, I’m struggling and that’s what I’m hitting – I could live with that, if that’s bad," Brentz said of his production this spring. "I’ve struggled worse. It’s documented. Yeah, I didn’t come in and bang out like we would have hoped to, worked through some things. ... I was starting to find a lot of barrels, just unfortunately not a lot of results at the beginning. It’s part of it. It’s spring. It’s why we’re here, to get ready for the season. Regardless of who hit what, did what, whatever, you’re still going to be hitting zero come opening day wherever you’re at, so it doesn’t really matter.”
The former first-round draft pick had only 34 games of major-league experience with the Red Sox and was limited by injuries for part of his minor-league career before having a breakout season in 2017. He had a .271/.334/.529 slash line with 31 home runs and 85 RBIs at Triple-A Pawtucket.
If Brentz, who occupies a spot on the 40-man roster, clears waivers, the Pirates can send him to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Brentz started showing some improvement at the plate during the past week, but Osuna's production, as well as his minor-league options, make him a better fit for the Pirates. Osuna has a team-high 13 RBIs with four home runs this spring, batting .295/.333/.591 in 44 at-bats.
The 25-year-old's best position is first base, but he is still learning third base and will only be able to play right field in certain ballparks.
The Pirates will use Adam Frazier and Sean Rodriguez as backups in the three outfield spots, as well as second base and shortstop. David Freese will serve as a backup at third and first base. The Pirates could bring 13 pitchers north at the start of the season since they will be employing the DH during their three-game series in Detroit. Plus, players such as Osuna, Jordan Luplow and Max Moroff have the ability to be recalled from Indianapolis, since each still has minor-league options.
Despite the situation, Brentz said he would like to remain in the organization.
"Yeah, great group of guys," he said. "Coaching staff, getting to know everyone has been great. Unfortunately it’s business, you know? Things like this happen. Part of the ups and downs of baseball. You get through it and work your way through it. That’s about all you can do."
