Cervelli decision is pending

It’s too early to know when Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli will return from the concussion disabled list and how this latest injury will affect his availability behind the plate.

Still, it seems the recent decision to have Cervelli work out at first base might pay off sooner than later.

Cervelli, who was placed on the concussion disabled list Saturday for the second time in a month and fourth time in the past two seasons, has played seven games at the position in his big-league career. His 49 innings at first base include two games (one start) for the Pirates in 2016. As a member of the New York Yankees, he also played a handful of games at second and third base.

“He had one full day’s work there, but if you watch him work, it looks like he’s been there,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “His hands and feet work very well. He’s very athletic. He’s taken ground balls at shortstop this year in batting practice; he’s gone over to second base, wandered over there. Would he need more work? Yes, he’d need more work. However, I also think there was a chance that if we’d put him in based on a game need, it could be seamless.”

Playing first base would give the Pirates an opportunity to keep Cervelli’s bat in the lineup on days he doesn’t catch, which is all the more important given his concussion and injury history.

Cervelli was not in the clubhouse Sunday morning. Earlier this season, he said, “If I cannot play catcher, I retire, K? I don’t see myself in another place.”

General manager Neal Huntington said the Pirates are not yet ready to have discussions about whether Cervelli’s ongoing concussion problems could potentially end his catching career — or his playing career.

“Our first and primary and really concern at this point is Francisco Cervelli, his long-term well-being,” Huntington said. “We’re getting him the best available medical care that we can. We’re getting him the best available medical evaluations and recommendations that we can. … There is concern that multiple concussions, where do we go long term, but I’m not at that point where we need to or want to have those discussions just yet.”

Harrison leaves game

Josh Harrison left the game Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers due to left hamstring discomfort. Harrison came up awkwardly after running down the line on a groundout in the fifth inning, then limped back to the dugout. Max Moroff took over for Harrison at second base in the top of the sixth inning.

Post-break rotation

The Pirates announced their starters for the first three games against the Cincinnati Reds after the All-Star break — Jameson Taillon, Nick Kingham and Ivan Nova.