The Pittsburgh Pirates are cutting ties with veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna as they gear up for a playoff push. The Pirates, who entered Wednesday 3 1/2 games behind Arizona for the National League’s third wild-card spot, are planning to promote outfielder Ronny Simon from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Ozuna’s roster spot. Pittsburgh signed Ozuna to a one-year deal worth $12 million in February, a rare free agency splurge for the budget-conscious Pirates. The team hoped Ozuna would help balance out a left-handed heavy lineup. Ozuna was scheduled to make $10.5 million this year, with mutual option of $16 million in 2027 with a $1.5 million buyout.