Knee issue drags on for Delay
Club shuts down backup catcher
Given Jason Delay’s status, it’s no wonder the Pirates traded for Joey Bart last week .
Delay, who is dealing with right knee inflammation, has been shut down from all baseball activities, per Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk. It remains to be determined if Delay will be transferred to the 60-day injured list.
“The knee continues to give him some problems,” Tomczyk said. “We’re still in the process of learning what those next steps are among local physicians and possible second opinions.”
Tomczyk said what Delay is dealing with in his right knee is not uncommon, but his pain is more than what a typical catcher would have.
While there is no timeline for Delay’s return, fellow catcher Yasmani Grandal is inching closer to having one set. Grandal has not appeared in a game this season because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot but is expected to begin running the bases.
Tomczyk said Grandal started getting reps as a hitter and catcher.
“That’s been fun to watch with the new technology we have in the cage,” Tomczyk said. “He’s actually been able to get live game at-bats off the pitchers and also simulated innings up and down catching game-like velocity. So he’s progressing well.”
There is no start date for any rehab assignment, though Tomczyk said the club would like to limit the amount of games he has to play in the minors.
“With any type of player, plantar fasciitis can be complicated with recurrence of symptoms,” Tomczyk said. “Knock on wood. It hasn’t happened to this point. So we’re encouraged by that.”
Other updates
• Colin Holderman (illness) was back at PNC Park on Tuesday as a member of the taxi squad. The right-handed reliever has pitched in four rehab games for Triple-A Indianapolis.
• Ryan Borucki (left triceps inflammation) has stopped throwing since going on the 15-day injured list but is expected to start playing catch in the coming days.
• Carmen Mlodzinski (right forearm inflammation) continues to rehab with Indianapolis. Tomczyk reported no issues of note.
• Ji Hwan Bae (left hip strain) was scheduled to transfer his rehab to playing with Indianapolis on Tuesday evening. Bae appeared in one game for Low-A Bradenton.