The Pittsburgh Pirates have released Czech right-hander Marek Minarik according to the latest minor league transactions by Baseball America. The 22-year-old played four seasons in the farm system of the MLB organization between 2011 and 2015 with an overall ERA of 5.29. This year he was assigned to the Bristol Pirates in the Appalachian League and went 2-6 with an ERA of 6.32 in 14 games (8 starts). He struck out 39 and walked 21 in 52 2/3 innings.