Pirates Cut Ties With Marcell Ozuna

The Pittsburgh Pirates have cut ties with veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna as they gear up for a playoff push. The club released the 35-year-old Ozuna following a nightmarish stretch in which the three-time All-Star could never seem to get on track. Ozuna hit eight homers and drove in 29 runs while batting .203 in 70 games with Pittsburgh. The Pirates, who are chasing their first postseason berth in more than a decade, promoted outfielder Ronny Simon from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Ozuna’s roster spot.