Right-handed pitcher Hector Noesi becomes first Pirates player to opt out of the MLB season

Right-handed pitcher Hector Noesi became the first Pittsburgh Pirates player to opt out from playing this season, citing family reasons, manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday night.

Under an agreement between MLB and the Players Association, players are permitted to opt out this season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 33-year-old Noesi, a native of the Dominican Republic, was signed in December as a nonroster invitee to spring training after pitching for the Miami Marlins last season. The 6-foot-5 right-hander previously pitched for the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox, then spent 2016-18 in the KBO.

Noesi started two games this spring, allowing seven hits, four runs and a pair of homers, finishing with a 7.20 ERA in five innings. Noesi was invited to training camp as part of the Pirates 40-man roster at PNC Park and was working out with the team before deciding to opt out.

Shelton said the Pirates aren’t planning on immediately filling that spot.

“I’m not going to talk for Hector,” Shelton said. “I definitely respect and appreciate his decision, but after talking to some family members, he just thought it was better for his situation to opt out. We’re going to have situations where guys feel about certain things, and we’re definitely going to respect them and make sure that they’re supported in any way possible.”