O'Hearn's return from quad injury imminent (sources)
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PITTSBURGH -- Pirates first baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn is anticipated to return from the injured list for Sunday’s series finale against Minnesota, sources told MLB.com. The club has not confirmed.
O’Hearn was placed on the IL on May 17 after suffering a right quad muscle strain against the Phillies on May 16.
O’Hearn made steady progress throughout Pittsburgh’s homestand to end May, working on cone drills in the outfield on Monday and running the bases on Friday. He had already been taking infield and on-field batting practice with the team. O’Hearn was originally expected to take around a month to return from injury, but only needed two weeks.
Pirates manager Don Kelly said pregame Saturday that O’Hearn likely wouldn’t need a rehab stint. O’Hearn was a key offseason acquisition for Pittsburgh, signing a two-year, $29 million contract to fill a role in the middle of the order.
In 44 games prior to injury, O’Hearn batted .289 with an .827 OPS while tallying seven home runs and 29 RBIs.