Endy Rodriguez has surgery on left hip, won't return this season

SAN DIEGO — Endy Rodriguez won’t return this season after he had surgery Wednesday to repair the labrum in his left hip, the Pirates announced.

Rodriguez is expected to resume baseball activities within seven to nine months, which will likely delay his 2027 season, as well.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas Byrd in Nashville.

Rodriguez had been on the 10-day injured list with left hip inflammation since Aug. 13 (retroactive to Aug. 10). It was the second IL stint for Rodriguez this season, as he was out with a left glute strain from July 8 (retroactive to July 6) through July 27.

Rodriguez, 26, had a productive 2026 season — when healthy. He hit .267 and had an .840 OPS in 45 games, accumulating 1.2 wins above replacement, per FanGraphs. That included six doubles and seven home runs, while Rodriguez also had 20 RBIs and 20 runs scored.

There was a stretch where Rodriguez seemingly unseated Henry Davis as the Pirates' No. 1 catcher, though the first injury changed those plans.

At one point the Pirates' top prospect, Rodriguez did start to show some of his potential, especially at the plate, as he walked a lot, hit for power and crushed right-handed pitching (.901).

The season-ending surgery unfortunately continues a growing trend for Rodriguez when it comes to injuries. He also had Tommy John surgery and a flexor tending repair in December 2023, as well as another procedure to fix his ulnar nerve in August 2025.

He's been unable to stay on the field for any consistent stretch of time, hampering his ability to get into a rhythm.

With Rodriguez out for the season, that should afford more runway to Rafael Flores Jr., who started and caught Bubba Chandler against the Padres on Wednesday.

Flores, acquired in the David Bednar trade, has hit .262 with a .936 OPS in 24 games. He has three doubles, six home runs, 14 RBIs and 10 runs scored, showcasing his power during two-homer games against the Marlins and Tigers this month.

Flores will likely split Davis, who has been one of the best defensive catchers in MLB this season. Among the 28 catchers with at least 500 innings behind the plate, only five have been worth more defensive runs saved (FanGraphs) than Davis (8).

Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.