The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially released right-hander Ryan Harbin, who was recently designated for assignment. The move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for veteran reliever Chris Devenski, officially promoting him to the major leagues. Harbin, a 17th-round pick in 2019, had shown promise in the lower minors but has faced setbacks due to injuries, particularly a strained teres major. Despite a solid 2022 season, Harbin did not pitch in 2026 due to these injuries, leaving his future uncertain.

By the Numbers
  • Harbin posted a combined 2.88 ERA with a 36% strikeout rate in 2022.
  • The right-hander averaged 97.2 mph on his four-seam fastball last season.
State of Play
  • Harbin has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to a spring training injury.
  • With no pitching appearances in 2026, his recovery timeline is unclear.
What's Next

Following his release, Harbin could potentially sign a minor league contract to continue his development. If he regains health, another MLB team might explore acquiring him to bolster their pitching depth.

Bottom Line

Harbin's release reflects the harsh realities of injury setbacks in professional sports, but with potential for recovery, he remains a player to watch as he seeks to regain form and find a new opportunity.