MILWAUKEE -- Chris Archer was removed from Friday night’s game against the Brewers at Miller Park after four innings because of left hip discomfort and it is unclear if the injury will force the Pirates to place him on the injured list.
“I don’t think it’s anything significant but we won’t really know until we see how I feel tomorrow and the day after that when I’d usually throw a bullpen,” Archer said after the Pirates rallied for a 3-2 victory in the opener of a three-game series that gave them six wins in their last seven games.
Archer came out after 67 pitches and did not factor in the decision. He allowed two runs – both in the first inning – and three hits with six strikeouts and two walks.
Archer said he felt something in his hip when he struck out swinging with the bases loaded and two outs to end the top of the fourth inning. He faced the minimum three batters in the bottom of the inning, but the training staff felt it was best that Archer come out of the game.
“There’s potential for risk,” Archer said. “Do I think about throwing 30 more pitches in this game or the rest of the season? That’s kind of how I looked at it. It wasn’t a baseball decision. It was a health decision.”
PERROTTO'S VIEW
This is potentially bad news for the Pirates. Their rotation is nearly back to full strength after Trevor Williams was activated from the injured list and Jordan Lyles is scheduled to come off the IL and pitch Saturday night against the Brewers. Now Archer could wind up on the shelf.
