With Tyler Anderson (officially) on his way to Seattle, the question becomes who will fill his spot in the Pirates’ rotation?
Well, scratch Trevor Cahill and Chase De Jong off the list of candidates, after it was announced Wednesday that both have suffered what are presumed to be season-ending injuries.
During his weekly Zoom call with the media, director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk revealed that during the Pirates’ most recent road series in San Francisco, Cahill slipped and fell down the steps at Oracle Park, fracturing his right foot.
He is currently not putting weight on the foot and is set to meet with Dr. Jim Sferra, the team’s foot and ankle specialist.
“We do not envision Trevor picking up a baseball any time soon,” Tomczyk said.
Cahill has been on the injured list with a left calf strain since June 12. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 2.
For De Jong, he was struck by a line drive in his left knee in his last start on July 19. While he continued to pitch that game, he was placed on the injured list the following day.
Following further examinations from the team doctors and an outside specialist, it was determined that surgery was needed to address some damaged cartilage.
The surgery was performed Tuesday and went as expected.
“We anticipate Chase to have a full recovery to full baseball activities in five months,” Tomczyk said. “Very optimistic that he’ll be no restrictions for spring training 2022.”
While neither pitcher had done particularly well this season -- De Jong had a 5.77 ERA through nine starts and Cahill a 6.57 ERA through eight starts and one relief appearance -- the two veterans were brought in to help eat innings and provide some pitching depth. That will not be the case during the homestretch of the season.
MORE INJURY NEWS
• Ok, how about some better news involving pitching? Steven Brault (left lat) will make another rehab start with Class AAA Indianapolis Thursday, and could be on his way back to the majors sooner rather than later.
"[We] hope that we have discussions about him rejoining the club in the near future," Tomczyk said. "That’s very encouraging."
• Colin Moran is hitting off a velocity machine and is not experiencing symptoms or any signs of soreness in the wrist or the hand.
There is no timetable for a rehab assignment yet, but it could come soon.
"He will go out on a rehab, we just haven't determined how quickly," Derek Shelton said during his pregame availability. "Hopefully it's sooner than later."
Erik González has also started hitting off a velocity machine and there are discussions about sending him on a rehab assignment.
• After experiencing a setback in his return back from lower back strain, Ka'ai Tom has returned to baseball activities and is playing catch from 90 feet.
The Pirates envision him resuming a hitting progression sometime this weekend.
• Sam Howard (right oblique strain) continues his rehab assignment, now up to 90 feet. The goal is for him ramp up the volume and intensity and start throwing from 120 feet by week's end.
• And the minor-league pitching notes to close:
Roansy Contreras (forearm) has resume throwing from 75-90 feet and is asymptomatic. Tomczyk said he is making "nice progress."
Oneil Cruz (forearm) is also asymptomatic. He will be checked out by the Pirates' medical in the coming days, where they will have discussions about him potentially resuming throwing.
Miguel Yajure (forearm/elbow) threw a live batting practice at the Pirates' Florida Complex. The goal is for him to start an inning-game progression early next week.
Carmen Mlodzinski (right shoulder) should start throwing off a slope sometime later this week and begin making strides to get back into games.