Chris Devenski Finds Way Back to Big Leagues With Pirates
PITTSBURGH — Less than two months after a scary incident in a spring training game, veteran reliever Chris Devenski is back in the major leagues.
The Pittsburgh Pirates purchased Devenski’s contract from Triple-A Indianapolis prior to Wednesday night’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. He pitched 2/3 innings and allowed one run in a 5-4 loss.
Devenski was struck in the head by a line drive on March 13 during a Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, Fla. Devenski was able to walk off the field under his own power but sustained a concussion, ending his bid to make the opening-day roster after being signed to a minor-league contract in the offseason.
Devenski began the season on Indianapolis’ injured list. Following two rehab appearances with Class A Bradenton, he made his first appearance for Indianapolis on April 11. In five games with Indy, Devenski was 0-1with a 1.13 ERA and 14 strikeouts in eight innings.
Pittsburgh needed bullpen help on Wednesday after using relief pitchers for 12 2/3 innings while losing the first two games of the series. Thus, the 35-year-old received a call-up to the major leagues. Despite having lost four games in a row, the Pirates are 16-15 after finishing 71-91 last season.
“To get an opportunity with this team and how they’re doing right now, to join along, it’s a cool spot to be in,” Devenski told reporters. “I’m eager to make an impact whenever I’m called upon. Go out there and get outs, do my job.”
Devenski was the Chicago White Sox ’s 25th round draft pick in 2011 from Cal State Fullerton. He has pitched in the major leagues with the Houston Astros (2016-20), Arizona Diamondbacks (2021-22), Philadelphia Phillies (2022), Los Angeles Angels (2023), Tampa Bay Rays (2023-24), and New York Mets (2025).
Prior to joining Pittsburgh, Devenski had a 27-22 career record with eight saves and a 3.91 ERA in 316 games. Devenski was selected to the All-Star Game in 2017 when he helped the Astros to their first World Series championship in franchise history.
Pirates manager Don Kelly was on the Astros’ coaching staff in 2019 and got to know Devenski.
“He's an elite competitor, great guy, and was throwing the ball really well," Kelly said. "Throwing the ball well in spring, and unfortunately had the line drive in Lakeland, but has been throwing the ball well down in Indy and pumped to get him up here.”
