Former Dodgers Pitcher Quickly Signs with New National League Team, Hoping for Career Revival and Fresh Opportunity on the Mound
In the ever-evolving world of Major League Baseball, players often find themselves navigating sudden turns in their careers—some more unexpected than others. That was the case recently for former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Michael Grove, who, after being designated for assignment by the Dodgers in late June, wasted little time securing a new home within the National League. Now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Grove is determined to make the most of a second chance many didn’t see coming this quickly.
Grove, who had spent his entire professional career with the Dodgers organization, was a second-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft out of West Virginia University. Known for his live arm and strikeout potential, Grove was seen early on as a high-upside project who could eventually become a key piece of the Dodgers’ pitching depth. Injuries, however, and inconsistent performance limited his ceiling in the always-competitive Los Angeles rotation. Despite flashes of promise during limited big-league action, Grove never fully cemented his role on the roster, and with the Dodgers constantly retooling to stay atop the National League, his margin for error was slim.
After a string of tough outings in the early part of the 2025 season, the Dodgers made the difficult decision to cut ties. While disappointing, the move wasn’t entirely shocking to Grove, who had seen the writing on the wall as the organization made moves to bolster its rotation with higher-performing arms and trade deadline acquisitions. But Grove’s journey didn’t end there. Just days after being let go, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced they had claimed the 28-year-old right-hander off waivers, immediately slotting him into their pitching plans.
For Pittsburgh, a team still trying to emerge from years of rebuilding and mediocrity, this move represents both a low-risk investment and a potential steal. Grove’s raw stuff—particularly his fastball-slider combination—has long drawn interest from scouts across the league. His strikeout rates in the minors consistently hovered around a batter per inning, and even during his rough stretches in Los Angeles, there were outings that hinted at untapped potential.
Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington spoke optimistically about the acquisition: “We’ve liked Michael Grove for a while. His stuff plays, and we believe a change of scenery and some adjustments with our pitching coaches could unlock more consistency. We’re not asking him to be an ace. We want him to be himself.”
Indeed, the Pirates are not banking on Grove to transform into a frontline starter overnight. But in a rotation that has struggled with depth and performance issues, adding an arm like Grove’s could pay immediate dividends. Early indications are that Pittsburgh plans to use him initially out of the bullpen, possibly stretching him out for spot starts later in the season depending on performance and health of the rotation. His versatility, especially given his past role as both starter and reliever, gives the Pirates flexibility as they navigate the dog days of summer.
For Grove, the move to Pittsburgh offers something he hasn’t had much of in recent years—an opportunity to work through struggles at the major league level without the constant pressure of needing to deliver elite-level results. The Dodgers’ championship expectations often left little room for developmental patience. In Pittsburgh, the focus is more on development and incremental progress. That difference in organizational philosophy could be just what Grove needs to rediscover his rhythm.
Already, there are signs Grove is responding well to the new environment. In his debut with the Pirates, a one-inning relief appearance against the Cubs, Grove struck out two batters while flashing improved velocity and a sharper slider. The outing was short, but it marked a clean slate and a step in the right direction. Coaches have reportedly worked with him on mechanical tweaks designed to improve his command, which has been a consistent issue throughout his pro career. If Grove can limit walks and keep the ball in the yard, he has the stuff to contribute meaningfully.
Another key factor in Grove’s potential resurgence is health. He’s dealt with a variety of arm-related setbacks since college, including Tommy John surgery prior to being drafted. Maintaining durability has been a challenge, but the Pirates’ training staff and performance team are optimistic they can build a plan that supports Grove’s long-term usage. The club is known for being thorough and individualized in its approach to pitcher health, and they’ve had some recent success stories with reclamation projects.
From a narrative standpoint, Grove’s journey also highlights the unpredictable and often harsh realities of professional baseball. Just over a year ago, he was making spot starts for the Dodgers, facing some of the league’s best hitters under the bright lights of Dodger Stadium. Now he’s starting fresh with a team still finding its identity. For many players, this kind of career detour might be viewed as a setback. But Grove seems to be embracing the moment as an opportunity.
“I’m excited to get to work here,” he told reporters after his first bullpen session with the Pirates. “There’s a lot of talent in this clubhouse, and I’m looking forward to competing. Every pitcher goes through ups and downs. I feel like I’ve got something to prove, and this is a great place to do it.”
The Pirates, for their part, are no strangers to betting on pitchers with something to prove. Over the last few seasons, they’ve brought in a handful of under-the-radar arms who later found traction with their new coaching staff. Whether Grove becomes the next success story remains to be seen, but the early optimism is tangible.
As the second half of the season begins, all eyes won’t necessarily be on Grove, but for Pirates fans paying attention to the little moves that could become big, he’ll be a player worth watching. If he can deliver quality innings—whether out of the bullpen or in a hybrid starter role—he could play a pivotal part in Pittsburgh’s efforts to stay competitive in the NL Central. And if nothing else, Grove gets what every professional athlete craves when things go sideways: another chance.
For the Dodgers, losing Grove is simply the cost of doing business in a win-now operation. Their depth allowed them to take chances, and when it doesn’t pan out, they move on. For the Pirates, however, it’s a rare opportunity to pick up a pitcher with upside, one who still has time to redefine his career.
If Grove can seize this chance and deliver the kind of consistency his raw tools suggest he’s capable of, this move could ultimately be remembered as a quiet steal of the 2025 season. Until then, he’ll keep his head down, his arm loose, and his eyes forward—pitching for the next chapter in a career that just might be getting started.
