Delay had been designated for assignment by the Pirates earlier in the week, so they were willing to flip him for anything they could get. Given the Braves’ injuries behind the plate, the 30-year-old backstop will add some solid organizational depth. He’ll report to Double-A Columbus.

Delay spent much of 2022 and ’23 as the Pirates’ backup catcher before being supplanted last year. He had a chance to get the job back this spring, but the Pirates went with Endy Rodríguez instead, and they’re feeling confident enough about their younger guys to risk losing some catching depth here. Delay is a career .231/.299/.315 hitter in 373 plate appearances. He’s a fine defender and has options, so with catching always at a premium, someone will probably stash him away.

No surprises here as Pittsburgh pares down its spring roster to just 42 players. The decision to jettison Delay leaves some combination of Joey Bart, Henry Davis and Endy Rodríguez as the likely season-opening catching mix behind the plate.

Delay is heading back to Indianapolis with Joey Bart activated off the injured list. The 29-year-old backstop will remain organizational depth available if needed if there’s another injury for Pittsburgh behind the plate.