Good news and bad news, Pirates fans.
Let's get the bad news out of the way first: Corey Dickerson is only available in a pinch-hitting capacity for the Pirates tonight against the Cardinals, as he is dealing with right shoulder soreness.
Pirates head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk met with media before the game, providing the following insight on Dickerson's ailment:
"As of right now, his status is day-to-day," Tomczyk told media at PNC Park. "Corey did not feel it on a specific throw. This was probably just the buildup of work."
Now, the good news: Gregory Polanco, recovering from shoulder surgery, and Elias Diaz, battling back from a virus, continue to make strides. Tomczyk said Polanco has seen action in back-to-back games with the extended group in Florida, and he's nearing a full nine innings of work, currently playing seven innings at a time.
"He's been throwing at some appropriate distances that he needs to throw and show to himself and to the staff that he's ready for Major League competition," Tomczyk said of Polanco. "If he continues to head on the path that he is, we may be announcing soon that he could begin a rehab assignment. But we're not there yet."
Closer yet to a return is Diaz, who missed spring training with a viral infection. Per Tomczyk, Diaz is set to begin an assignment with the Class-A Bradenton Marauders.
"It is our intention that Elias begins a Major League rehab assignment playing in games tomorrow for the Marauders," Tomczyk said. "He's been built up for his conditioning, he has had his modified spring training and the staff and the performance team down there are very confident."
• Chad Kuhl and Edgar Santana continue to rehab from Tommy John surgery. Their recovery is progressing as expected with flat-ground throwing.
• Dovydas Neverauskas threw a simulated game yesterday in Florida. Tomczyk called the initial response "positive."
• Lonnie Chisenhall, out with a broken finger, initiated gripping activities and simulated throws today.
• Jose Osuna initiated baseball activities today, swinging with "no reservations." He has not resumed throwing yet.
Listen to Tomczyk's full scrum here:
Gregory Polanco is built up to seven innings of play, Elias Diaz is expected to begin a Major League rehab assignment tomorrow for the Marauders and more. Todd Tomczyk provides all the latest Pirates injury updates. #dkps #Pirates pic.twitter.com/5FLmiHFG57
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) April 3, 2019