With Endy Rodriguez (finger laceration) heading to the 10-day IL, the Pirates are still monitoring Joey Bart's back before possibly making another roster move. They brought Abrahan Gutierrez to Pittsburgh today on the taxi squad.
Derek Shelton said this afternoon they are looking to see where Bart's mobility stands, along with his ability to play and rotate.
"We are going to run him through a workout today and I think we’ll have a better idea once we get through that," Shelton said.
As far as first base goes, Shelton said Enmanuel Valdez and Adam Frazier will man that position moving forward, but added Jared Triolo could begin his rehab stint with Class AAA Indianapolis as early as tonight.
Valdez has acted as Rodriguez's back-up since Nick Gonzales went down with an injury in Miami and Frazier played first during spring but has not played there during the regular season.
Here's Shelton's full media availability from this afternoon:
A few other notes:
• Shelton said Oneil Cruz could hit in the leadoff spot over the next few games as they try to get the offense going. He went 2-for-5 last night with a double, single and two strikeouts. Shelton added that there are obviously variables that go into moving him there and what it does to the lineup:
"The fact that his ability, his athleticism, in front of Bryan and being able to run, I mean, what’s he got, 9 steals already? So, that could be helpful," Shelton said. "Just in totality, we have to get our offense going. We have to get the middle going, (Isiah Kiner-Falefa) has done a nice job at the bottom. So, anything to spark it right now is what we are looking for."
• I also asked Shelton about David Bednar, who is eligible to return to Pittsburgh starting tomorrow after being sent down on April 1. Bednar has made four appearances and hasn't given up any hits, runs or walks while striking out five.
" I don’t think there’s a time frame. We are very pleased with how he’s performing. I mean, I don’t think he’s eligible yet to come back, so I think we’ll talk about that once we get to it," Shelton said. "But, really pleased, No. 1 with how he’s performed and as pleased with how David has handled that because it’s challenging when you get optioned and he’s done a really nice job."
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THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
8:39 pm - 04.15.2025NORTH SHOREShelton: Pirates still monitoring Bart's back
With Endy Rodriguez (finger laceration) heading to the 10-day IL, the Pirates are still monitoring Joey Bart's back before possibly making another roster move. They brought Abrahan Gutierrez to Pittsburgh today on the taxi squad.
Derek Shelton said this afternoon they are looking to see where Bart's mobility stands, along with his ability to play and rotate.
"We are going to run him through a workout today and I think we’ll have a better idea once we get through that," Shelton said.
As far as first base goes, Shelton said Enmanuel Valdez and Adam Frazier will man that position moving forward, but added Jared Triolo could begin his rehab stint with Class AAA Indianapolis as early as tonight.
Valdez has acted as Rodriguez's back-up since Nick Gonzales went down with an injury in Miami and Frazier played first during spring but has not played there during the regular season.
Here's Shelton's full media availability from this afternoon:
A few other notes:
• Shelton said Oneil Cruz could hit in the leadoff spot over the next few games as they try to get the offense going. He went 2-for-5 last night with a double, single and two strikeouts. Shelton added that there are obviously variables that go into moving him there and what it does to the lineup:
"The fact that his ability, his athleticism, in front of Bryan and being able to run, I mean, what’s he got, 9 steals already? So, that could be helpful," Shelton said. "Just in totality, we have to get our offense going. We have to get the middle going, (Isiah Kiner-Falefa) has done a nice job at the bottom. So, anything to spark it right now is what we are looking for."
• I also asked Shelton about David Bednar, who is eligible to return to Pittsburgh starting tomorrow after being sent down on April 1. Bednar has made four appearances and hasn't given up any hits, runs or walks while striking out five.
" I don’t think there’s a time frame. We are very pleased with how he’s performing. I mean, I don’t think he’s eligible yet to come back, so I think we’ll talk about that once we get to it," Shelton said. "But, really pleased, No. 1 with how he’s performed and as pleased with how David has handled that because it’s challenging when you get optioned and he’s done a really nice job."
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