Ozuna embracing new clubhouse role while trying to regain form

PHILADELPHIA -- It’s a rarity to see the designated hitter bring out the lineup card. As veteran Marcell Ozuna hoped for the Pirates to get hot in late June, he asked manager Don Kelly to have the honor.

The 35-year-old Ozuna is taking on a different role in his 14th MLB season as Pittsburgh’s oldest player. The three-time All-Star is the unequivocal leader of the Latin players, helping younger position players like Oneil Cruz and Esmerlyn Valdez find their groove.

Ozuna plays just a few days a week. He’s unavailable to play in the field. At the plate, Ozuna is still digging his way out of a slow start, tallying a .610 OPS, though he began to find his stride in June with two homers and a .263 batting average. In his first game in July on Thursday, Ozuna walked twice and singled while striking out twice during Pittsburgh's 6-1 win over the Phillies, seeing 25 pitches across five plate appearances.

“I’m the older guy on the team, so I’m trying to give the advice that I know,” Ozuna said. “I’m just trying to keep in check with everyone and tell them the truth. 'Let’s see this and that, see if it can help you.' That’s what I do, taking care of everyone.”

A decade ago, Ozuna was a Gold Glove outfielder. Right shoulder surgery in 2018 and a right hip injury he played through in 2025 have severely hampered his defensive abilities. He signed a one-year, $12 million deal to join Pittsburgh in February.

Ozuna’s rapid decline from finishing fourth in the NL MVP vote in 2024 to a difficult start to 2026 has been aided by the hip injury from last year. He played through a tear and picked up poor habits at the plate as a result. Ozuna doesn’t feel any pain in his hips anymore. He’s simply trying to return his swing to form at this point after putting too much pressure on himself to begin the year.

Finding a rhythm becomes more difficult without everyday at-bats. Ozuna is trusting in himself to make the most of the opportunities. What chances Kelly, his former teammate with Miami, gives him, he must take advantage of.

“My timing has been off,” Ozuna said. “It’s hard, because sometimes you miss. You’re on the bench and it’s hard when you come in from the bench and you’re trying to do some damage because you haven’t seen a pitcher for a while. Just doing my work in the cage and then get back on track.”

Ozuna began to find his groove in West Sacramento on June 17, singling to right-center field and turning back the clock on a mammoth, Statcast-projected 448-foot home run. He recorded a single in each of his next two games and another homer on June 26 against Cincinnati.

“As soon as I get inside the ball and hit it the other way, that’s when I become a good hitter,” Ozuna said. “I don’t rush. I just wait for my time, and when they give me the opportunity, I’ll be there.”

The Big Bear has also taken on a fatherly role in the clubhouse. His two young sons are often running around the Pirates' clubhouse, donning his jersey. During the game, Ozuna stands on the top step. He catches cut-off throws during pregame outfield drills, and his locker sits directly next to Cruz and Valdez, two powerful young Pittsburgh bats.

The trio hails from the Dominican Republic. Cruz was enjoying the best year of his career before landing on the injured list with fractures in his left hand. The 22-year-old Valdez has been a pleasant surprise in his rookie campaign, blasting a home run in four consecutive games and becoming a fixture of the lineup as of late.

Valdez remembers watching Ozuna as a kid back in the Dominican Republic when Ozuna starred for the Cardinals. The two are similar builds as powerful right-handed bats.

“He’s always on my case about being on time,” Valdez said through translator Stephen Morales. “Look for good pitches. Don’t try to swing too hard.”

Ozuna is still a long way away from living up to his contract and contributing daily. But he’s embracing an altered role, and his manager feels results coming soon.

“I think we're gonna start to see a different Marcell Ozuna,” Kelly said.