Corey Dickerson has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained right shoulder. Though the Pirates did not put a timetable on the Gold Glove left fielder's return when announcing the roster move, a source told DKPittsburghSports.com he will likely miss about a month.
The Pirates activated Jordan Lyles from the IL so he could start tonight's game against the Reds at PNC Park. The right-hander began the season on the shelf with tightness in his right side.
The Pirates decided to go with a 13th pitcher rather than call up an outfielder because their bullpen is stretched thin following back-to-back extra-inning losses to the Cardinals. Jason Martin is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis once the Pirates return to a 12-man staff.
Dickerson was not in the starting lineup for Wednesday night's loss at PNC Park, though he grounded out as a pinch-hitter. An MRI performed Thursday showed a significant strain in the back of the shoulder.
While Dickerson will not throw for an indefinite period of time, he can continue to take batting practice. He said the injury has built up over time rather than occurring on a specific play.
"I'm working to get it 100 percent as soon as possible," Dickerson said. "I think we'll have a better feel of it in a couple of days. Hopefully, there were will be no setbacks and I'm back pretty quickly."
The Pirates now have four outfielders on the injured list:
Gregory Polanco is in extended spring training in Bradenton, Fla., while he continues to rehab from shoulder surgery. Lonnie Chisenhall, who was expected to replace Polanco as the starting right fielder, sustained a broken right hand after being hit by a pitch three days before the opener. Jose Osuna is out with lower neck discomfort.
Backup corner infielder Colin Moran took fly balls in left field during batting practice Thursday. He has never played the outfield in a major-league game.
Utility infielder Kevin Newman also started working out in the outfield Wednesday. He has not played outfield in his professional career.
PERROTTO'S VIEW
The Pirates' starting outfield in the first game after Dickerson went on the DL was JB Shuck in left, Starling Marte in center and Melky Cabrera in right. That's not going to win any pennants.
It will be interesting to see what Martin does when he is called up, He opened some eyes in spring training. He has very good speed and some pop for someone who stands 5-foot-8.
The Pirates' best hope is that Dickerson makes it back sooner than expected. The same things goes for Polanco, who is likely not returning until sometime in May.
