PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There is movement with first baseman Spencer Horwitz, but nothing moving quickly. An update on Endy Rodriguez and imaging for Nick Gonzales on Friday. A Pirates injury update on Wednesday.
1B/2B/OF Spencer Horwitz (right wrist)
· Cleared for full baseball activities and ‘is really close to getting out’. What that means is he will go down to Bradenton and get his first live at-bats since September with pitcher Dauri Moreta, who is also rehabbing. They are not committing to when that begins, the hope is next week, but after that they can begin an assignment in minor league games. Once he starts games he would probably need 40-50 plate appearances before he could be considered ready for the majors. It has taken longer than originally thought.
C/1B Endy Rodriguez (lacerated finger)
· The cut on his index finger is called a ‘moderate-sized laceration’ by Pirates Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk. There are no breaks and that was confirmed by multiple hand specialists. He needs to keep his finger immobilized for about 72 hours after surgery following five sutures. There are a couple of challenges-gripping a bat left-handed with a right index finger and throwing. There is a concern that if he attempts to throw the ball differently because of his finger, it could impact his elbow, which is why he missed the 2024 season.
“That's going to be a daily walk with us and with him,” Tomczyk said. “That's why the surgeons are very adamant about some early immobilization to allow the skin [to heal]. We're amazing healers, so it'll heal, but it's going to be fresh, and we're just going to have to be creative with how we protect it.”
2B/SS Nick Gonzales (broken ankle)
· He will get repeat imaging on Friday and has progressed. He’s been cleared to walk on a treadmill with a boost that takes the weight off the ankle. He’s making some ‘nice strides’ walking with the help of anti-gravity technology.
OF Bryan Reynolds (shoulder)
· ‘really close’ for Reynolds to be able to play the outfield, which he hasn’t been able to do because of shoulder discomfort. When he’s able to get out there, it should allow for more consistent at bats for Andrew McCutchen.
RHP Johan Oviedo (lat strain)
· Was seen in Pittsburgh last week for a six-week checkup due to the right lat strain. He is playing catch out to about 75 feet and he will have to continue to progress. Translation, don’t expect him anytime soon as he missed last year due to Tommy John surgery.
RHP Jared Jones (right elbow sprain)
· No real changes, he will be re-imaged at the end of next week.
RHP Colin Holderman
· Threw 15 pitches in a live batting practice and will go out on a rehab assignment later this week.