The Pittsburgh Pirates designated right-handed reliever Camilo Doval for assignment after he spent just over a month with the team. In a corresponding move, the Pirates reinstated right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates, who they also acquired at the trade deadline, from the 15-day injured list. Doval, 29, pitched in parts of 2025 and 2026 with the New York Yankees, arriving from the San Francisco Giants at the 2025 trade deadline.
He wasn't quite the same, shutdown closer after joining the Yankees last season, posting a 4.82 ERA while converting just one of his three save opportunities while wearing the pinstripes during last year's regular season. The right-hander looked better in the postseason, allowing just one earned run through 3.1 innings pitched, but struggled once again in 2026. He made 44 appearances with the Yankees this season, posting a 4.54 ERA through 39.2 innings pitched.
He allowed six homers with the Yankees this season, which is the most he had ever allowed in a single season. He also blew four save opportunities on the year. Doval performed slightly better with the Pirates after the Yankees traded him, though he still had a 3.79 ERA through 19 innings and struggled with keeping runners off base, posting a 1.74 WHIP over the course of his 20 appearances.
Doval won't be eligible to join any teams for the postseason, so a team who is in need of pitching could swoop in and grab him just before the end of the season to prepare for next year, as he still has a year of arbitration remaining. Teams like the Rockies and Athletics could do well with Doval, as his 91st percentile ground ball rate would play well in their hitter-favorable stadiums, though his high average exit velocity could pose some problems. Regardless of his results over the past couple of seasons, Doval has shown in the past he can be a serviceable pitcher in MLB, recording a National league-leading 39 saves in 2023 while earning his sole All-Star appearance.
If he can rediscover that side of himself, he will be a key player for whichever team decides to claim him next season.
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