September 22, 2026 • 6:04 PM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
The Pittsburgh Pirates caught fans off guard this week by designating reliever Camilo Doval for assignment, just two months after picking him up from the Yankees before the trade deadline. In the relentless sprint of the MLB season’s final week, teams only make these kinds of moves when something’s not quite working out. For Pittsburgh, this was about more than just making space in the bullpen.
Doval’s short run in black and gold didn’t exactly inspire confidence. After being acquired from New York in exchange for minor-leaguer Omar Alfonzo, the Pirates entrusted him with some high-leverage spots. But Doval never locked in, battling the same control issues that dogged him with the Yankees. His stats tell the story: 20 games pitched, an ERA that wasn’t disastrous at 3.79, but a bloated 1.74 WHIP, and those 13 walks in 19 innings really stood out. The stuff is still there—23 strikeouts—but when you’re handing out that many free passes, managers can’t trust you in tight games.
According to Yahoo Sports, Pittsburgh went ahead and activated Kirby Yates from the IL, signaling who they want on the mound down the stretch as they host the Cardinals in their final home series. For Doval, it’s a quick exit, especially since he still has a year of club control and cost Pittsburgh a minor league prospect who ranked 28th in the Yankees’ system. That tells you how little patience the Pirates had for his ongoing control problems and how crucial every roster spot is as a season wraps up.
It’s not all bad for Doval. Not long ago, he led the National League in saves with 39 for the Giants back in 2023, but he hasn’t come close to that level since. Clubs look at recent performance, and his trajectory’s been heading in the wrong direction.
- The Pirates designated Camilo Doval for assignment just two months after trading for him.
- Doval posted 3.79 ERA and 1.74 WHIP, struggling with control issues (13 walks in 19 innings).
- Pittsburgh activated Kirby Yates from the IL, opting for proven options in the bullpen as the season ends.
- Doval came from the Yankees in exchange for minor leaguer Omar Alfonzo.
- Doval’s stint marks a quick end despite having another year of club control.
- His struggles with control mirrored the issues he had in New York.
- Pirates start their final home series versus the Cardinals, making bullpen depth decisions critical.
What this means for the Pirates’ bullpen
The decision to move past Doval isn’t just about stats; it’s about trust. You can’t anchor your playoff hopes to a reliever who’s putting men on base with walks every other inning. With the Pirates fighting to end the year on a strong note, every game is a must-win. That’s why getting Kirby Yates back mattered so much—they need experience and reliability to shut teams down late, not someone who might implode in the eighth inning.
Was Doval’s trade still worth it?
Hindsight’s always 20/20 in baseball trades, but this one looks like a misfire. Giving up a Double-A catcher/first baseman just to watch your new reliever struggle is the kind of move front offices try to avoid. It’s painful, but sometimes you need to cut bait fast rather than let a bad fit linger in the clubhouse and cost you games down the stretch.
Key takeaways for bettors
- Pirates’ pitching moves show urgency as the season winds down—bullpen reliability is now a higher priority.
- Doval’s walk rate made him too risky in close games, so fade any prop bets on him until he lands with a new team and proves himself.
- Kirby Yates’ return could sharpen Pittsburgh’s late-inning performance, especially for those looking at live betting opportunities.
- Pirates management is willing to make quick, even costly, roster decisions in pursuit of winning now.
- This kind of bullpen shake-up suggests the team isn’t settling for “just okay” down the stretch—watch for more aggressive moves.
- If the Pirates keep cleaning house, expect them to keep their bullpen tight and game scripts low on high walk totals.
- Bettors should keep an eye on how the Cardinals match up with a Pirates bullpen focused on control and experience.
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