The Pittsburgh Pirates released pitcher Cody Ponce on Monday, with the intent for the right-hander to play in Japan.
The 27-year-old Ponce, acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade for pitcher Jordan Lyles in July 2019, was 1-7 with a 5.86 ERA in 20 games for the Pirates over the past two seasons, including five spot starts.
Ponce was 0-6 with a 7.04 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in 38⅓ innings over 15 games, including two starts, last season while bouncing back and forth between the majors and Triple-A Indianapolis.
Nikkan Sports reported that Ponce has signed with the Haikkodo Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball.
By releasing Ponce, the Pirates reduced their 40-man roster to 39 players.
