PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - The Pirates have placed Ryan O'Hearn on the 10 day injured list Saturday due to a left quad strain.
He was injured Friday night on a ground out while running to first base in the top of the 9th inning in the Pirates 8-7 loss to the Reds.
"Just running down the line and randomly felt it pop. I'm pretty frustrated," said O'Hearn to reporters on Saturday.
O'Hearn is expected to be out 6-8 weeks. That timeline is roughly the beginning or middle of September if he has no setbacks in his recovery. He previously suffered a right quad injury on May 16th and remained on the IL through May 31st.
"The Pirates will be alright, we got good players. Hopefully I can make a return and help out down the stretch," said O'Hearn.
He is second on the team in home runs and RBI's, fourth in doubles and hits. This is a big blow to the Pirates offense.
O'Hearn said to reporters he doesn't need surgery and is thankful he has a chance to return before the playoffs.
"Overall I'm beyond blessed. I got a great life, great family, I lean on my faith and attack the rehab process. The Pirates will be alright. They were fine the first time I missed time, we have some good players coming back. I'm just gonna help out around here as much as I can. Try and get better, try and get healthy and make a return when it really counts at the end."
Pittsburgh optioned right-handed pitcher Antwone Kelly to Triple-A Indianapolis. As the corresponding moves, they recalled right-handed pitcher Isaac Mattson from Triple-A and activated Rafael Flores Jr. from the IL.
With the trade deadline looming, Ben Cherington will have a decision to make. He already has had to address the bullpen, now he has to consider going after a left-handed bat with the team still being just 2.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot.
The trade deadline is Monday August 3rd at 6:00 PM.
O'Hearn was injured running to first base in the 9th inning Friday against the Reds.
O'Hearn was injured running to first base in the 9th inning Friday against the Reds.
