SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - MARCH 07: Christian Bethancourt #22 of Team Panama scores a run on a single hit by José Caballero #77 (not pictured) against Team Puerto Rico during the tenth inning at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on March 07, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Getty
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - MARCH 06: Christian Bethancourt #22 of the Team Panama prepares to take an at bat against Team Cuba during the seventh inning at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on March 06, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Getty
The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at PNC Park at 6:45 p.m. EDT on Friday.
The Pirates made an exciting roster decision before Friday's game, activating Konnor Griffin from the injured list. As a corresponding move, Pittsburgh designated an eight-year MLB player for assignment.
GettySAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 07: Christian Bethancourt #22 of Team Panama scores a run on a single hit by José Caballero #77 (not pictured) against Team Puerto Rico during the tenth inning at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on March 07, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Pirates designated veteran catcher Christian Bethancourt for assignment, according to Book-Rule Bucs' Alex Stumpf.
Via Stumpf on X : Konnor Griffin has been activated off the 60-day IL. Christian Bethancourt has been DFA'd. Isaac Mattson has been recalled and Brandon Eisert optioned to Triple-A.
GettySAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – MARCH 06: Christian Bethancourt #22 of the Team Panama prepares to take an at bat against Team Cuba during the seventh inning at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on March 06, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Pirates acquired Bethancourt from the New York Yankees for cash on Aug. 19. The Pirates selected his contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.
Bethancourt didn't have a single plate appearance with the Pirates before being designated for assignment. He hasn't appeared in an MLB game since 2024.
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