Roster churn: Two pitchers close to return
LOS ANGELES — Roster turnover is nothing new for the 2021 Pirates, who’ve used a franchise-record 56 players this season. And while none of these guys are new, the active roster could undergo more changes soon.
Closest to returning is Sam Howard, who hasn’t pitched in an MLB game since July 9 because of a right oblique strain. Howard started a rehab assignment with Class AAA Indianapolis Tuesday, recording two outs on 19 pitches.
Next up are Chad Kuhl (COVID-19) and Anthony Alford (lower back strain). Kuhl, who’s on this road trip, has been working his way back into game shape and threw a simulated game Wednesday.
Alford isn’t as close, director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said, but has seen his inflammation decrease “significantly.” Part of the reason the Pirates avoided bringing Alford to Los Angles was because his symptoms were acute, and they didn’t want to subject him to that much time on an airplane.
“We can get him to St. Louis to continue his rehab progression with the team on a major league diamond with his teammates,” Tomczyk said. “That’s different than rejoining the club to be activated in St. Louis. That is not the case. He is going to join the major league club in St. Louis to continue his rehab progression.”
Bryse Wilson is another one who should be back soon. The pitcher threw a side session Wednesday and has not been having issues with his right arm fatigue. Wilson is eligible to come off the IL Aug. 25.
Other updates
The biggest/best bit of news involved Blake Cederlind, who had right elbow reconstructive UCL surgery in March. A couple days ago, Cederlind began playing catch on flat ground and reported no issues.
Tomczyk added that Trevor Cahill ( left calf strain) is in a walking boot, while Chase De Jong (left knee surgery) can put some weight on his leg.
No setback
Michael Burrows, the Pirates’ No. 10 prospect according to Baseball America, has not pitched since July 13 because of an oblique injury. Tomczyk said Burrows was taking a little longer than expected, but he is throwing off the mound.
“He has not had a setback,” Tomczyk said. “He is making the necessary strides. We’re not running out of days yet in the minor league calendar, fortunately, due to the late start, so we still are hopeful that he will resume game activities this season.”
Burrows has been with High-A Greensboro.
Chavis shines
It’s no secret that Rodolfo Castro has struggled. Over his past 14 games (11 starts), he’s hitting just .167 with a .413 OPS. That includes one extra-base hit — a double — and 19 strikeouts in 45 plate appearances.
If the Pirates choose to go in a different direction once they land in St. Louis early Thursday morning, Michael Chavis would make a fine choice.
Acquired for Austin Davis at the trade deadline, Chavis was hitting .313 with a 1.056 OPS in his first 12 games with Class AAA Indianapolis. Chavis has shown plenty of pop, too, with 5 doubles, 4 home runs and 9 RBIs in 54 plate appearances.
Spring schedule released
The Pirates will open their 2022 Grapefruit League schedule by hosting the Tampa Bay Rays at LECOM Park on Feb. 26, part of a spring training schedule released Wednesday that includes 34 games, 17 in Bradenton, Fla.
The Pirates follow with a split-squad affair, hosting the Tigers while also taking on the Braves in North Port, Fla.
The Yankees make their only visit to LECOM Park on March 5 before the Pirates travel to George M. Steinbrenner Field a week later.
One wrinkle includes a trip east to play the Mets on March 15, then the Marlins the next day. It represents the first time the Pirates and Mets have faced each other in a spring training game since playing two exhibition games at PNC Park in 2001.
The Pirates host the Twins on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) and the Tigers for the final home game of the Grapefruit League season March 26.
Things conclude March 29 with a home game against the Braves at LECOM Park before the Pirates open the regular season March 31 against the Cardinals at PNC Park.