PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – With the potential to return next week, Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes now has three rehab starts in AAA, hitting .333.
“He’s progressing nicely,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton on Wednesday. “I think we are at the point now of getting him in baseball shape so when he comes back he can play. Making sure his legs aren’t heavy. Making sure his back is not heavy. His core is ok.”
“All signs have been positive. We are looking forward to continuing with the progression.”
Kuhl decision
Veteran starter Chad Kuhl threw his second rehab start at AAA on Tuesday night. He reported no symptoms or soreness after landing on the injured list last month with right shoulder soreness. They will meet later today to discuss if Kuhl will return to the Pirates for his next appearance.
The right-hander went 64 pitches in his last outing over 3.1 innings, giving up a run on one hit with a pair of walks and four strikeouts. Kuhl went three scoreless innings in his first AAA start walking one and striking out five.
Other injuries
· INF/OF Phillip Evans continues on position specific work later this week. They will attempt to have him run the bases and go from there.
· 1B Colin Moran is a day or two behind Evans, but there is hope Moran will run the bases this weekend and reassess.
· RHP Trevor Cahill threw a side session on Wednesday recovering from a left calf strain. Early signs he’s recovered well, will know more on Thursday.
· OF Ka’ai Tom has resumed hitting and all on-field activities and responding well.
· LHP Steven Brault is now throwing at 105 feet and they anticipate him throwing 120 feet this weekend as he remains in Bradenton. Tomczyk says he’s making ‘nice strides’ in coming back from a left lat strain.
· 2020 First round pick INF Nick Gonzales suffered a freak accident on defense in a rundown and suffered a finger injury. He will need splinting and rest and should be back to full baseball activities in a month to six weeks.
· 2018 First round pick OF Travis Swaggerty suffered a right shoulder dislocation. They discussed both surgical and non-surgical options going forward. The lefty-hitter and thrower played in his first dozen games at AAA this year, batting .220 with 3 home runs and 7 RBI, including leading off the season with a homer.