Roster move ahead of Angels series reshuffles Pirates’ catching depth
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a flurry of roster moves Friday before the three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at PNC Park, activating outfielder/utilityman Konnor Griffin from the 60-day injured list and designating veteran catcher Christian Bethancourt for assignment.
The changes were first reported by club-following media and relayed via a post on X by Alex Stumpf. The post noted additional moves: right-handed reliever Isaac Mattson was recalled and infielder/bench depth option Brandon Eisert was sent to Triple-A.
"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."
Bethancourt, 35, had been acquired by the Pirates from the New York Yankees on Aug. 19 in exchange for cash considerations and had his contract selected from Triple-A Indianapolis this week. According to the transaction log, he did not record a plate appearance with Pittsburgh before being designated for assignment, and he has not appeared in a major league game since 2024.
Immediate roster and positional implications
The activation of Griffin restores a piece of outfield and bench versatility to the active roster. Griffin’s return required a corresponding roster move to make room on the 26-man roster, and the club used the opportunity to part ways, at least temporarily, with a veteran catcher who had just joined the organization.
For Pittsburgh, the decision reduces the number of catchers on the active roster and suggests the team is prioritizing position-player depth and bullpen flexibility for the remainder of the season. The recall of Mattson also signals a desire for additional right-handed relief options as the Pirates press through the late stages of the regular season.
- Konnor Griffin — activated off the 60-day injured list
- Christian Bethancourt — designated for assignment after being acquired Aug. 19
- Isaac Mattson — recalled to the major-league club
- Brandon Eisert — optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis
| Transaction | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Activation | Konnor Griffin | Removed from 60-day injured list; available for series vs. Angels |
| Designated for assignment | Christian Bethancourt | Acquired Aug. 19; no MLB plate appearance with Pirates |
| Recall | Isaac Mattson | Added to bullpen; roster reinforcement |
| Optioned | Brandon Eisert | Returned to Triple-A Indianapolis |
Bethancourt’s designation will start a 7-day window (per MLB rule changes in recent seasons) during which the Pirates can trade, release or place him on outright waivers. If he clears waivers, the team could assign him to the minors; if claimed, another club would assume his contract.
Context for Pittsburgh’s September push
The moves come as Pittsburgh navigates the final month of the regular season and evaluates roster composition for both the immediate stretch run and the offseason. While Bethancourt brings extensive big-league experience — including a history of working as a backup catcher for multiple clubs — the team opted to prioritize players perceived as offering more immediate utility for the current roster configuration.
Friday’s series against the Angels gives the club a chance to plug Griffin back into the lineup or use him as a late-inning option off the bench, while Mattson’s return expands the bullpen’s right-handed depth. How the Pirates deploy the newly adjusted roster over the coming days may offer insight into how the front office plans to balance player development, late-season competitiveness and offseason roster decisions.
All transactions were reported publicly through team and beat outlets and updated in the official MLB transaction log.
Coverage of roster developments from PNC Park will continue through the series with the Angels and into September as the Pirates close out the regular season.
