Yankees
New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German (0) hands the ball to manager Aaron Boone. / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees released starting pitcher Domingo German earlier this off-season, thus ending a six-year association with the pitcher. German’s major league career was marred with controversies and scandals which eventually led to his ouster from Bronx. However, Pittsburg Pirates extended a helping hand to German.

The Pirates signed Domingo German earlier this off-season and optioned him to Triple-A minor league to refine his skills and allow him to stand back on his feet. However, in an abrupt turn of events, the starting pitcher appears to be heading out as he reportedly exercised his opt-out clause to become an unrestricted free agent.

   

Pirates Release Domingo German, As He Opts Out Of Contract

Yankees
Domingo Germán pitches against the Dodgers. Twitter NYY

In a major development, the Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly released Domingo German after the pitcher opted out of his contract. In 11 Triple-A starts, German posted a 5.13 ERA. However, something went wrong behind the scenes that led to a fallout. While the Pirates are exploring the option to bring him back via a minor league contract, it’s unclear if German will accept a demotion. However, with the New York Yankees lacking rotational depth, German’s release paves the way for a potential reunion. That being said, a reunion will be an extremely risky move for the Yanks. Notably, Domingo’s tenure in the Bronx was filled with controversies and off-field scandals. He was suspended for 81 games in 2020 over a public domestic abuse incident.

While that should have been the end of Domingo German’s career in pinstripes, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman extended his leash. German made a comeback with a perfect game in the 2023 MLB season. However, the jubilation was cut short following another bizarre clubhouse incident. Yankees forcibly put Domingo German on a restricted list and then later on an alcohol treatment program after he had a violent showdown with teammates and manager Aaron Boone at the clubhouse. Under the influence of alcohol, the pitcher reportedly broke the clubhouse TV, flipped the couch, and abused his teammates before the Yanks locked him in the sauna. That was the breaking point for the franchise, as they released him during the off-season. However, despite the past, the Yankees are in need of starting pitchers. Perhaps Cashman can explore the option just for the second half of the year.

Domingo German Accuses Yankees Of Setting Negative Narrative Of His Exit!

Domingo German
New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German (0) reacts as New York Mets’ Pete Alonso runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Meanwhile, in a first interview after taking an exit from the New York Yankees, starting pitcher Domingo German lashed out at his previous organisation for setting a fake narrative. He refused to acknowledge having an alcohol problem and claimed that he wasn’t drunk on the day of the clubhouse incident.

Not only that, Domingo German revealed that the Yankees forcibly put him on an alcohol treatment program. They threatened to strip him of his salary, and hence, upon family pressure, the pitcher agreed to voluntarily join the program. The pitcher also added that he never disrespected any of his teammates, and the entire narrative of the incident was wrongfully portrayed in the media.

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