Marcell Ozuna cut by Pirates during career-worst season with MLB future now uncertain

The Pirates are shaking things up in their lineup. Marcell Ozuna, whom Pittsburgh signed last February to a one-year, $12 million contract, was released by the team Wednesday it looks to keep pace in a challenging NL Wild Card race. Pittsburgh is 3 1/2 back of the last Wild Card spot, with the Marlins and Padres also chasing the Cubs, Phillies and Diamondbacks, in that respective order. Marcell Ozuna was cut by the Pirates on Wednesday. AP Photo/Justin Berl Ozuna hadn’t been much of a factor for the Pirates of late, falling out of lineup in favor of rookie sensation Esmerlyn Valdez, who has come up and been a revelation for the team. Valdez has an obscene 14 home runs in 150 at-bats since being promoted to the big leagues. Meanwhile, Ozuna has struggled and is limited to only designated hi