BALTIMORE — The Yoshi Tsutsugo Era in Pittsburgh has apparently come to a close.
According to the first baseman’s MLB.com player page, Tsutsugo has been released by the Pirates. The team has not yet announced the move after designating him for assignment on Aug. 3.
After signing a $4 million contract this offseason to replace Colin Moran as Pittsburgh’s primary first baseman, Tsutsugo hit just .171 in 50 games, with a .229 slugging percentage that included two home runs (only one off an actual pitcher) and 19 RBIs, a pittance from the cleanup spot.
Releasing Tsutsugo is fairly predictable. He might want an opportunity to again play overseas, while the Pirates have other players they’ll want to use at first base with Triple-A Indianapolis.
Mason Martin deserves a chance to save his season. Bligh Madris, if he’s sent down, could require reps to learn a new position.
Also on Friday, the Pirates claimed catcher Jose Godoy off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. Godoy, 27, has appeared in just two games this season and 18 for his career, which also includes a 16-game stint for the Mariners in 2021. Godoy is 6 for 40 (.150) lifetime in MLB.
A Venezuela native, Godoy did collect 56 RBIs in 73 games at Triple-A in 2021, posting an OPS of .743. His OPS was .785 in 2019.
To make room on the active and 40-man rosters, the Pirates designated Taylor Davis for assignment.
Jason Mackey: jmackey@post-gazette.com and Twitter @JMackeyPG.
First Published: August 6, 2022, 1:07 a.m.
