Wandy to see surgeon for arm diagnosis

SAN FRANCISCO -- Wandy Rodriguez's simulated game early Thursday afternoon did not go well. In fact, it was discouraging enough for Pirates manager Clint Hurdle to expect the release of a dire statement by team general manager Neal Huntington.

Huntington subsequently did release a statement, included in updates on all of the club's players recovering from injuries, that Rodriguez had "pain in his forearm during his simulated game/batting practice. ... Will see Dr. Andrews early next week."

A visit to Dr. James Andrews, the sports orthopedic surgeon who performs Tommy John elbow reconstructive surgeries, is foreboding enough. But Rodriguez still being at the stage of being diagnosed apparently is a better scenario than anticipated by Hurdle, who a couple hours earlier had declined comment on the pitcher's workout, saying, "Don't want to step on any toes. You'll get the statement, and I'll be here after the game or tomorrow to answer any questions."

Following Rodriguez's prior workout Monday in San Diego, Hurdle had freely discussed that "he had some discomfort. He didn't feel right."

Rodriguez, 34, has dealt with setbacks since suffering the original injury, described as "left forearm tightness," on June 5. He was moved from the 15-day to the 60-day DL on Wednesday, strictly a procedural move -- to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Felix Pie -- since Rodriguez has already been on the DL for 71 days.