Pirates Bolster Bullpen by Signing Ron Marinaccio, DFA Santana
WHO:
MLB.com - The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-hander Ron Marinaccio from the San Diego Padres.
MLB Trade Rumors - The Pirates designated righty Dennis Santana for assignment.
WHAT:
MLB.com - Marinaccio has a record of 1-0 with a 4.79 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 33 games with San Diego this season.
MLB.com - Marinaccio has made 108 appearances from 2022-25, producing a 3.02 ERA, 149 strikeouts, and a .186 batting average against over 125 1/3 innings.
MLB.com - Santana has a 6.05 ERA over 44 games in 2026, allowing more home runs (8) than he did in his first 109 games (7).
MLB Trade Rumors - Santana logged 70 1/3 innings in 2025 with a 2.18 earned run average.
MLB Trade Rumors - Marinaccio is out of options and has a 4.79 ERA in 47 innings this year.
WHERE:
MLB.com - The transactions involve the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Diego Padres.
WHEN:
MLB.com - Marinaccio will wear No. 97 with the Pirates.
MLB Trade Rumors - The Pirates are looking to bolster their bullpen before the August 3 deadline.
WHY:
MLB.com - The Pirates are addressing a key need for right-handed relief help to balance their late-inning options.
MLB Trade Rumors - The Pirates decided to make a change due to Santana's disappointing performance in 2026.
HOW:
MLB.com - The Pirates acquired Marinaccio in exchange for international signing bonus pool considerations.
MLB Trade Rumors - The international bonus pool space is valued at $500,000.
In a significant move, the Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired right-hander Ron Marinaccio from the San Diego Padres, while designating Dennis Santana for assignment. Marinaccio, who has a record of one win and no losses with a 4.79 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 33 games this season, will wear number 97 with the Pirates as they aim to strengthen their bullpen ahead of the August 3 deadline. Santana, on the other hand, has struggled this year with a 6.05 ERA over 44 games, prompting the Pirates to seek a change in their late-inning options.