Former Pirates Pitcher Scott Sauerbeck Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Scott Sauerbeck, whose Major League Baseball career included five seasons pitching in relief for the Pirates, died Tuesday. He was 53.

The team announced his death Thursday on social media.

"The Pirates family mourns the passing of Scott Sauerbeck. Scott played for the Bucs from 1999-2003 and shares the club record for most games pitched by a LHP in one season," an X post stated. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

The Pirates did not disclose a cause of death, but Pittsburgh Baseball Now's John Perrotto reported that Sauerbeck suffered a fatal heart attack in Bradenton, FL.

After being taken by the Pirates from the New York Mets organization in the Rule 5 Draft in 1998, Sauerbeck compiled a 19-15 record with a 3.56 ERA, 191 walks and 319 strikeouts in his five seasons with the Bucs, according to BaseballReference.com.

The Pirates traded Sauerbeck and pitcher Mike Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox in July 2003 in exchange for pitchers Brandon Lyon and Anastacio Martinez.

Sauerbeck did not play in 2004 due to injury. He played in 2005 for the Cleveland Indians and finished his career in 2006 by splitting time between the Indians and Oakland Athletics.