The Pittsburgh Pirates released struggling veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna on Wednesday as they gear up for a playoff push. The club made the move following a nightmarish stretch in which the three-time All-Star could never seem to get on track. Pittsburgh Pirates' Marcell Ozuna collects himself after fouling off a pitch from Atlanta Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, July 8, 2026. “Didn’t have a season that he would like,” manager Don Kelly said Wednesday in Milwaukee before the Pirates faced the Brewers. Pittsburgh also activated left-handed reliever Evan Sisk off the injured list and optioned reliever Wilber Dotel to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday.