The Pirates are waiting on player requested second opinions on two pitchers they originally believed would be a big part of their 2023 plans.
JT Brubaker (elbow) was sidelined days before the regular season started and has taken part of a very exhaustive process to map out a recovery plan.
Brubaker has dealt with an elbow forearm injury in the past, which cost him almost the entirety of 2019, but ended with him avoiding surgery.
"The injury this time is a little different location," director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Tuesday. "That’s why we’re exhausting, he’s exhausting all resources to make sure that we have the most comprehensive opinions and path to preserve the vast majority of not so much this season potentially but in subsequent seasons to come."
Mike Burrows, the club's No. 9 prospects according to Baseball America, sustained his injury during his last start for Class AAA Indianapolis, where he was removed in the second inning. A review by the medical staff later confirmed that he suffered a sprain to the forearm and the ligament itself.
Burrows had his contract selected by the Pirates this winter, and while he did not make the opening day team, he was considered to be one of the team's more major-league ready pitching prospects. The Pirates focused on adding starting pitcher depth this winter, and it could be tested if Brubaker and Burrows are out a significant amount of time.
MORE INJURY NEWS
Oneil Cruz (ankle) is in a cast following his surgery, which is expected to keep him out four months. The fracture was to the lateral fibula, and the syndesmosis -- the space between the fibula and tibia, also sustained injury.
"The fracture was very nicely stabilized, and due to impact of the fracture, the syndesmosis was stretched, so that needed to be addressed and reinforced as well," Tomczyk said. "That is the main reason why the projection is at 4 months, because of the combination of the fracture and the injury to the syndesmosis."
The goal is for him to return to high-end game action (including the major leagues) in four months, but with that being so far away, that's not a firm return date.
Jared Triolo is two weeks removed from his hook hamate excision in his left hand. His cast was removed Tuesday and he is with Indianapolis. The expectation is a ramp up to baseball activities in 3-5 weeks.
Robert Stephenson (elbow) threw a live batting practice at PNC Park Monday to simulate a back-to-back outing. He will continue his rehab assignment with Indianapolis this week.
Jarlín García will get new imaging done on his left elbow Wednesday, where the team hopes to get a better timetable for his return from a nerve injury.
Termarr Johnson (hamstring) will begin his build up for game action to start his season with Class Low-A Bradenton.
PIRATES CLAIM RELIEVER
Cruz was moved to the 60 day injured list to make room for right-handed reliever Eli Villalobos, who was claimed off waivers from the Marlins Tuesday.
Villalobos, 25, recorded a 2.86 over 78 2/3 innings of relief for the Marlins' Class AA and AAA affiliates last year, doing better at the higher level. He struck out 102 batters with a 1.03 WHIP and .191 batting average allowed in 2022, convincing the Marlins to select his contract this winter. However, he got off to a shaky start in 2023, allowing six runs on seven walks and two home runs over his first 4 2/3 innings.
According to a scouting report sent to DK Pittsburgh Sports, Villalobos sits 93 mph with his fastball and has a plus changeup.
“[He's a] big arm," Derek Shelton said. "Had some success last year. I know he’s off to a tough start this year. Fastball, change-up mix, which we like and he’s an optionable reliever. As we talked about, having guys that are optionable is important to us as we move forward.”
He will report to Class AAA Indianapolis.
