Josh Bell's 2019 likely has come to an end.
Sources confirmed to DKPittsburghSports.com that Bell's groin injury suffered in last Friday's loss vs. the Cubs is serious enough that the team could shut him down for the rest of the season.
Speaking with reporters at PNC Park before Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Hurdle was asked for an injury update on Bell and Jacob Stallings.
"I don't expect to see (Bell) back," Hurdle replied. "Marte's still going to go out and hit a little bit, the hitting thing's just been complicated with the wrist sprain. Stallings with a back sprain, it complicates catching. Or spasms. I just saw him in the training room earlier. I don't see any immediate return to play.
"And with Bell, I don't see any immediate return to play. Those three guys, you probably won't see. Tonight for sure."
While Hurdle played the "no immediate return" line, the season ends on Sept. 29 for the Pirates, and our source confirmed Bell most likely will not play a part in the remaining games.
If so, he'll end his All-Star campaign with a .277/.367/.569 slash line, tallying 37 home runs (currently 10th in MLB), 116 RBIs (fifth) and 37 doubles (15th), all career highs.
