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The Pirates have tweeted that they have requested unconditional release waiver for veteran catcher Francisco Cervelli, who’s been on the Injured List with concussion symptoms most of the season.
The Pirates today have requested unconditional release waivers for the purpose of giving catcher Francisco Cervelli his unconditional release.
— Pirates (@Pirates) August 22, 2019
This comes as somewhat of a surprise, as the 33 year old Cervelli has been rehabbing at Altoona and then Indianapolis, catching every other day, and hitting well, with eight hits in nineteen at bats.
Obtained in a November 2014 trade from the New York Yankees for reliever Justin Wilson, this was Cervelli’s fifth year with the Pirates, hitting 193/279/248 in 34 games. As a Pirates, Cervelli hit 264/363/374 in 450 games, after 278/348/381 in 250 games over seven seasons for the Yankees, primarily as a backup.
UPDATE - Cervelli had requested the release so that he might have a chance to get signed by a relevant team.
Huntington: "Out of respect and appreciation for Francisco, we have chosen to honor his request to be released in order for him to pursue an opportunity that potentially gives him a chance at more playing time, as well as an opportunity this season to compete in the Postseason." https://t.co/XXxOb0RZ9W
— James Santelli (@JamesSantelli) August 22, 2019