Corey Dickerson continues to close in on his big-league return. Dickerson, who went on the IL April 4 with a right posterior shoulder strain, is expected to begin a rehab assignment Friday night with Triple-A Indianapolis. The Indians face the Columbus Clippers at 7:15 p.m.
Dickerson's injury originally surprised many, as there was no indication he was injured during play or practice. At the time of the injury, Dickerson was expected to miss a month, but it has since stretched into almost two months. Most recently, Dickerson was throwing to bases and taking swings off Keone Kela during a sim game May 22 at PNC Park.
Now with Indianapolis, Dickerson will need to prove he's fully healthy to rejoin the Pirates' 25-man roster.
...which is where things get interesting.
HUNTER'S VIEW
Dickerson was the clear-cut starter in left field coming into 2019, and the team has tried a variety of players, such as Jason Martin, Colin Moran and Bryan Reynolds there in his absence.
It's that last name who will complicate Dickerson's return. Reynolds has emerged as a Rookie of the Year candidate for the Pirates, slashing .321/.382/.568 in 27 games and 89 plate appearances with the club.
He's coupled that with a solid glove and a no-nonsense, stone-cold demeanor, making him one of the team's most pleasant surprises of 2019.
Describe Bryan Reynolds’ season in one word. Go!
? via @MLBPipeline pic.twitter.com/N4fn2apuve
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) May 24, 2019
With Starling Marte in center field and Gregory Polanco in right, the options are limited to get both Dickerson and Reynolds on the field together, so something's gotta give. No matter how it shakes out, though, the Pirates will have options which, as they've shown this year, is a good problem to have.