Injuries & Moves: Velasquez, Zastryzny progressing
LATEST NEWS
May 17: RHP Vince Velasquez (right elbow inflammation), LHP Rob Zastryzny (left elbow discomfort) making progress in returns
Velasquez threw on May 15 at the Pirates' complex in Bradenton, Fla., manager Derek Shelton said, and is scheduled for a side session on May 17 before beginning a rehab assignment later this week, most likely with Triple-A Indianapolis. Zastryzny began his rehab assignment with Indianapolis on Tuesday, throwing one scoreless inning on 20 pitches (12 strikes). The Pirates' plan for him is to remain with Indianapolis in the short term as he ramps up his rehab process.
INJURY UPDATES
10- and 15-day IL
RHP Vince Velasquez (right elbow inflammation)
Expected return: TBD
Velasquez threw live BP at the Pirates' complex in Bradenton, Fla., on May 15. He will throw a side session on May 17, setting him up for a rehab assignment later in the week, likely with Triple-A Indianapolis. Velasquez was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 5 after exiting his start on May 4 at Tampa Bay after three innings. (Last updated: May 17)
LHP Rob Zastryzny (left elbow discomfort)
Expected return: May
After throwing a live bullpen on May 9 and coming out of it with no issues, Zastryzny kicked off a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on May 16, throwing one inning on 20 pitches and picking up a strikeout while allowing one hit and one walk. The Pirates plan for him to remain with Indianapolis in the short term as he continues to ramp up his rehab. (Last updated: May 17)
60-day IL
1B Ji Man Choi (strained left Achilles)
Expected return: June
Choi is three weeks post-PRP injection and has been out of his walking boot for almost two weeks. The team is optimistic that he will be back into game activities within the eight-week time frame. He has resumed light baseball activities, including some throwing and swinging, but a return to full baseball activities is not expected for about eight weeks. (Last updated: May 17)
RHP Wil Crowe (right shoulder discomfort)
Expected return: Possibly June
Crowe received a PRP injection two weeks ago and is currently two weeks into four weeks of no-throw status. He will be eligible to return from the 60-day IL on June 23. Crowe has not pitched since April 17 against the Rockies. (Last updated: May 10)
RHP Max Kranick (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Potentially 2023
Kranick is now throwing bullpens twice per week. The team anticipates that he won't return to games until the second half of the season. The right-hander had season-ending surgery on June 3, 2022, and the recovery process generally takes 14 to 16 months. (Last updated: May 10)
SS Oneil Cruz (fractured left ankle)
Expected return: August
The swelling in Cruz's ankle has subsided and Cruz has began upper-body seated strengthening. Cruz still has four weeks of non-weight bearing remaining.
Cruz fractured his ankle after sliding awkwardly into home plate against the White Sox and colliding with catcher Seby Zavala on April 9. Cruz underwent surgery on April 9, and the team anticipates a return to action in four months, putting him in line to return in August. (Last updated: April 27)
LHP Jarlín García (injury to nerves in upper left arm)
Expected return: TBD
García underwent reimaging on April 12, and while that testing showed "progress," according to director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk, the left-hander is still unable to grip a baseball. There is currently no timetable for his return. The Pirates placed García on the 60-day injured list prior to Opening Day. The team determined García sustained an injury to nerves in the "mid-humerus biceps region." (Last updated: April 19)
RHP JT Brubaker (right elbow)
Expected return: 2024
Brubaker underwent Tommy John surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on April 12. His projected full return to Major League competition is 14-16 months, the club announced. The Pirates originally placed Brubaker on the 15-day injured list on Opening Day, but he was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 2. Brubaker was expected to be part of the rotation to open the season, but he was unable to recover as expected after his final Grapefruit League start on March 21. (Last updated: April 12)
Minor League IL
OF Travis Swaggerty(non-COVID illness)
Expected return: May
Swaggerty is making strides from his viral illness. He is participating in baseball activities and the team anticipates him returning to game activities later this month. (Last updated: May 10)
LHP Hunter Barco (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: TBD
Barco threw his first bullpen a week ago and is beginning his side progression. Barco was drafted in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Pirates. The lefty underwent Tommy John surgery last May. (Last updated: May 10)
RHP Michael Burrows (UCL surgery)
Expected return: 2024
No. 9 prospect Burrows underwent season-ending UCL reconstruction surgery on Wednesday. He is expected to return to action in 14 to 16 months. (Last updated: April 27)
INF Dariel Lopez (right knee dislocation)
Expected return: 2024
Lopez suffered a dislocated right knee while participating in a club-issued offseason conditioning program and will miss the entire 2023 season, according to director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk. (Last updated: March 16)