The Pirates currently have six pitchers on the major league injured list, tied for the third-most in the National League.
That number should be decreasing in the not so distant future.
In his weekly update with the media, director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk had positive reports on all of the pitchers on the mend, especially for relievers Austin Davis and Jose Soriano. Davis has begun his major league rehab assignment, and Soriano should start his in the next five to seven days.
Davis was shut down in spring training with a left elbow injury, ending any chance of him earning a spot in the bullpen out of camp. After spending most of last year with the Phillies, he allowed just two base runners over five appearances with the Pirates last year.
Soriano was the first overall pick in the Rule 5 draft this winter and is finally on the cusp of returning after undergoing Tommy John surgery in February 2020.
“It's been, and we've caught the tail end of this, a very long, arduous journey coming back from UCL reconstruction for Jose Soriano,” Tomczyk said.
Both players would need to be activated off the 60-day injured list, meaning a corresponding move would have to be made to add them to the roster. Soriaino has to be on the team all year or be offered back to the Angels. Davis has minor-league options remaining.
Additionally, Chad Kuhl (right shoulder discomfort) is expected to throw a live batting practice or sim game in the coming days. How he responds will determine what path the Pirates go with his rehab.
Kyle Crick (right triceps) was placed on the 10-day injured list before Tuesday’s game. He is taking a few days off from throwing, but the hope is he will start throwing again this weekend.
Steven Brault (left lat) is expected to start playing catch in the coming days after working with plyo balls. Blake Cederlind (Tommy John) will be discharged from his post-surgical brace soon and will keep working on his range of motion.
On the position player side, Ke’Bryan Hayes’ transfer to the 60-day injured list this week doesn’t change the expectations or workload for when the third baseman could return from his left wrist injury. He is continuing to build up his volume of swings in the cage. Colin Moran (groin) resumed light baseball activities Wednesday morning.
