Gregory Polanco is back with the Pirates and will start in right field and bat third tonight against the Diamondbacks in the opener of a four-game series at PNC Park.
Polanco’s recovery is now complete from the surgery performed on his left shoulder last September. The Pirates officially recalled him from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis about 3 ½ hours before game time and activated him from the injured list.
The Pirates originally thought Polanco could be out until mid-June immediately following the surgery. However, he easily beat that timetable.
“The hard work, the dedication, all the help from the trainers and the doctors, it all helped me get back here,” Polanco said. “All the hard work in the winter, in spring training, everything (the trainers) asked me to do I did. After dinner, I’d still go out and do some more stuff like stretching. I really wanted to make it back as soon as I could.”
Left-hander Steven Brault was optioned to Indianapolis to open a spot on the 25-man roster. He will be a starter for the Indians after working as a reliever for the Pirates this season.
Meanwhile, infielder Kevin Newman will report to Indianapolis tomorrow to begin a rehab assignment. He has been on the IL since April 9 with a lacerated right finger. Newman will also play some outfield for the first time in his professional career.
Polanco went 6-for-20 (.300) with five RBIs and two stolen bases in five rehab games with Indianapolis after going 2-for-13 with four walks and an RBI in four rehab games with High-A Bradenton.
Polanco injured his shoulder and left knee while sliding into second base last Sept. 12 in a game against the Marlins at PNC Park. It was more like a dive and Polanco worked on his sliding extensively during spring training.
“I made a mistake and I got to learn from it,” Polanco said. “I’m back here and that’s the biggest thing now. I’m here to play baseball, the sport I love. I’m excited. I’m ready to go.”
